Downtown Blasting Expected for Two More Days

Blasting of granite ledge on Essex Street is expected to continue for two more days, the town administrator said on Wednesday.

The blasting is making room for drainage improvements — part of the $4.9 million, three-year Pleasant Street drainage project.

Marblehead Fire Capt. Micael Porter said the fire department is overseeing the blasting, which has been restricted to trench blasts.

The blasts are monitored for vibrations and noise, he said.

There was one shot on Monday and one on Tuesday, he said on Tuesday.

Work this year on the first phase of the project will continue no later than Dec. 1, said Town Administrator Jeff Chelgren.

If the first phase is not completed by Dec. 1, then the phase will resume in spring.

Phase I boosts drainage capacity out of Pleasant Street. Phase II, $.8 million, improves drainage capacity near Pleasant Street. Phase III, $1.2 million, relieves drainage restrictions at Evans, Roosevelt and Curtis.

The project will relieve flooding and pooling and upgrade old infrastructure.