SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno, Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez, and Department of Public Works Director Christopher Cignoli announced updates this week on the ongoing infrastructure work at Riverside Road and Orchard Street in Springfield’s North End.
The work stems from a geotechnical investigation launched by the Department of Public Works in late 2023 following the emergence of sinkholes near the intersection of Riverside Road and Orchard Street. According to the city, the area contains extensive underground utilities that are integrated with Springfield’s nearly 90-year-old Flood Protection System, which runs the length of Riverside Road and is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Over the past 18 months, the city’s consultant, GZA, conducted soil borings, groundwater flow mapping, and utility analysis. Although no single cause of the sinkholes has been confirmed, several possibilities have been ruled out, city officials reported. Investigators have determined the affected area lies more than 20 feet below ground.
In winter 2024–2025, GZA developed a subsurface map identifying areas where underground material transport could be contributing to surface-level sinkholes. At the same time, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission undertook a complex upgrade of the local water service network. That work is now nearly complete, and officials say the area will reopen to traffic in the next few weeks.
The City of Springfield and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission plan to submit their findings to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine what further work may be necessary.
“I am proud of my administration’s efforts to continue to invest into our infrastructure, especially at key and vital locations such as Riverside Road in our North End neighborhood which is located along the Flood Protection System,” Mayor Sarno said. “The results of the geotechnical engineering study will provide DPW, the Water and Sewer Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers with the information needed to better understand the conditions of our utilities under the surface so we can develop a comprehensive engineering plan to maintain and enhance this vital and core infrastructure system.”
Ward 1 Councilor Maria Perez also credited the city and its agencies for addressing concerns in her district.
“Riverside Road is a major corridor in our North End neighborhood and is an important part of our Flood Protection System and utilities, so its upkeep and maintenance are of the utmost importance,” Perez said. “I am thrilled that this study and water and sewer upgrade work is nearly complete and the roadway will be shortly reopened.”
