The Main Street Bridge: with spring comes the prospect of completion
Although there have been a number of issues cited for the delay in finishing the new Main Street Bridge and opening it to traffic again, the number-one problem has been the weather.
When it hasn’t been too cold, it’s been too wet - as in muddy - to pave.
When bridge construction lagged past October and into the colder months, there went the option of paving because the state Department of Transportation doesn’t allow paving in the winter months.
A spokesman explained that this is because the bituminous compound is applied hot and if it cools too quickly - which it would likely do in the months between November and March - it would become brittle and crack. That’s why the plants that provide paving material are closed from December through mid-April.
Granite curbing is almost completely installed and sidewalks also are nearing completion. Photos © HTNP.com
So now, with April just around the long-awaited final work can soon begin.
In the meantime, other parts of the project have been progressing, including completion of sidewalks, installing granite curbing and applying gravel to the roadbed in preparation for paving.
In February, Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe told the Town Council that the contractor is being fined $300 a day dating back to Dec. 5 for the delay, which will be deducted from the cost of the bridge.
Posted March 29, 2009
5 Responses to “The Main Street Bridge: with spring comes the prospect of completion”
THERE SHOULD BE A BIG RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WHEN IT IS DONE. COMPLETE WITH PARADE AND PARTY!!!!!!!
Comment made on March 31st, 2009 at 7:41 amOh, DG, don’t mention a parade! They might wait until the Memorial Day Parade or even worse, the Old Home Day Parade to open the bridge! By then, Niles Street and Flanders Road will be pot-holed gravel paths!
Comment made on March 31st, 2009 at 5:48 pmLet’s give another bonus to the former Public Works head.
Comment made on April 6th, 2009 at 3:57 amI sit back and laugh.
Comment made on April 6th, 2009 at 3:31 pmEvery time a car or truck uses Niles St. the cost to repair what you’ve done goes up.
Nobody would listen - nobody used Rt.16, a state route that wouldn’t have cost EH a dime.
Remember the road maintainence when it’s time to vote on the budget, Bell Ringer.
OK, it’s April 13, no paving in sight on the bridge yet, now what — is the company out of money ? The asphalt companies opened the first week of April. this is an embarassment to the town.
Comment made on April 13th, 2009 at 6:35 amLeave a Comment