by Frank Schroth
updated 05.31.14 @ 12:00pm – Signage at the corner of Central Ave & Reedsdale states that work will begin “approx” on June 9th.
A reader recently wrote in to inquire about the status of the repaving of Central Avenue, a road recently cited in a Milton Times poll as the worst in town.
According to a recent communication with Town Hall the reconstruction contract of Central Avenue was awarded to T.L.Edwards. DPW Director Joe Lynch reports that their pre-construction work has already begun. He notes that this is not simply a repaving project but a $1.3 million reconstruction effort.
This may account for white markings that have been spray painted on the street.
Lynch notes that the actual “physical” reconstruction is now more than 3 weeks beyond the anticipated start date of May 1st. This is due to delays on the part of the construction company. Water main work and necessary upgrades required of National Grid were completed last year.
Lynch notes that the work will be “substantially complete by the end of this construction season.”
the information from the town is not totally forthcoming on this project and it’s really frustrating which is unfortunate since it is a $1.3 million reconstruction effort.
For example:
Why have they not responded to previous inquiries?
Why is it already 3 weeks behind schedule?
Is there any recourse/incentive for the construction company to start/complete the work in a timely manner? And if so, what are they?
What does “substantially complete by the end of the construction season” really mean?
You’ve gotten us started but I think DPW needs to much more forthcoming with details and stop the seemingly secretive nature of all of this.
Our area is in for some difficult travel conditions between this project and god willing, the demolition of the Hendries Building. The lack of information and forthrightness from is troubling.
We allocated $1 million in the 2014 annual town meeting. Does that have to be spent by the close of this fiscal year? Also, I remember a prominent politician patting himself on the back for getting $10 million allocated to pave Granite Ave. There are other roads that are in worse condition than Granite Ave like most of Highland St, part of School St between Central and Canton and a section of Hillside St between Forrest and Stonehill. It really is too bad politicians can’t get funding for road projects that are needed and not just for those most visible.