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Although we do not have firm dates yet on the forthcoming bridge work, all sources indicate that the bridge is likely to remain open through the end of May. The best forecast is for closure on or about Friday, June 1st or Monday, June 4th. The multi-week delay is due to the holdup in the utility work, specifically the placement of the third new utility pole.
The river is relatively low for this time of year, but is still high enough to cause water problems at the designated location for the one remaining pole. To resolve this problem, NSTAR has requested a sleeve to protect the pole. This sleeve has to be manufactured, and negotiations are taking place as to who is in the best position to make this sleeve in the timeliest manner. This should all be resolved in a few days. Meanwhile everyone is hoping the river level will drop further so the work of placing the pole can proceed. As stated in earlier updates, once the pole is in place, the line utilities will be able to move their wires and cables from the existing poles to the new ones, and the bridge project can begin in earnest. All of that should happen by Memorial Day or very soon thereafter.
The good news, though perhaps premature, is that the project managers are still aiming for a reopening of the road, with a new bridge, in November, 2012. Everyone wants this project finished by then so that we do not go through the winter without a bridge – think about sand trucks, plows, school buses, the condition of the west end of Pelham Island Road, and spring floods, and you will understand why this date is strategically important. As I said, everyone is working hard on doing what they can to see that this date is achieved. Our hats are off to AA Will which is doing all it can to get approvals for tactical moves that will expedite the work, and to the Mass DOT and the utility contractors who are cooperating with the town and the contractor.
There may be some brief interruptions in traffic and services during the utility work, but that is inevitable.
Town officials, working with the neighborhood, have kept residences immediately impacted well informed and have notified frequent service providers such as the US Post Office, UPS, Fed Ex, home heating oil dealers, and other utilities to minimize inconvenience to vendors and residents alike. Public safety mutual aid agreements will assure timely response to emergencies. We appreciate your patience so this area finally has safe access and egress to and from their homes.
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