Sunapee begins catch basin cleaning, culvert flushing June 1

Sunapee will send its Highway Department out Monday, June 1, to clean catch basins and flush culverts across town, a drainage push aimed at keeping stormwater moving and reducing localized roadway flooding when heavy rain hits.

Crews are expected to work through Friday, June 12, weather permitting. The job includes cleaning and inspecting catch basins, removing debris and flushing culverts throughout Sunapee as part of the town’s stormwater management work. The goal is practical and immediate: improve drainage, maintain proper flow and lower the chance that water will pool on roads during intense storms.

Drivers should expect to see vacuum trucks, crews working in the road corridor, temporary lane shifts and minor delays in active work areas. The town is asking motorists to slow down, use caution around workers and equipment and follow posted traffic control directions. Residents may also notice bright yellow pavement markings near catch basins, which crews use to show which structures have already been cleaned.

The cleanout matters because Sunapee has linked drainage problems to bigger storm impacts. In a separate storm-related notice, the town said heavy rain can flood basements and erode roads as water builds up, underscoring why keeping basins and culverts clear can matter long after the trucks leave. The work is also not a one-off. Town records show catch basin cleaning and culvert flushing have been bid as a recurring annual program, with a 2022 bid tabulation listing an estimated cost for 120 hours a year.

Sunapee’s Highway Department says its mission goes beyond drains alone. The department says it is responsible for maintaining and improving town highways, sidewalks, storm water collection systems, bridges, dams, intersection signalization and other town infrastructure. Its public guidance also reminds property owners that they are responsible for culverts on their own property and should keep driveway culverts unobstructed and free of leaves and debris.

For Sullivan County residents moving through Sunapee over the next two weeks, the tradeoff is straightforward: a little delay now in exchange for fewer washouts, less standing water and a better chance that the town’s roads hold up when the next hard rain comes. Questions can be directed to the Highway Department at (603) 763-5060.