MONROE, CT — First Selectman Ken Kellogg briefed the Town Council on the Pepper Street project in his first selectman update given at its meeting Monday. Residents have been expressing frustration over slow progress and delays throughout the project.
“As previously reported, I have continued to work with staff and the town attorney to facilitate the contractor’s timely completion of this project within the parameters and requirements established by the state and federal authorities,” Kellogg said. “While the progress earlier this spring was limited, I am pleased to report that significant work is now underway and proceeding as follows.”
According to his bulleted points:
- Lowering and regrading of the final section of roadway, between Cambridge Drive and Commerce Drive, is nearly complete. This is the area reported last fall as requiring a 500-foot section of gas line to be lowered by Eversource, which was finalized over the winter.
- The contractor will be working on the Jockey Hollow and Garder Road intersections during the next two weeks.
- Paving of the binder course for these areas is projected to begin by the end of next week, weather permitting.
- The contractor reported that completion of the concrete parapet walls, partially formed, was delayed due to rebar supply shortages. That work is now projected to occur over the next couple of weeks.
- Additional, off-road work is scheduled to continue on the multi-use trail.
Textile recycling
“Following our launch of this program, over 1,600 pounds of textiles were collected in June, the first month of operation,” Kellogg said. “The Town will receive almost $100 towards our SustainableCT program.”
Hammertown Road culvert repair
The downstream headwall of the culvert located on Hammertown Road, near the entrance to the Fairfield County Fish & Game Protective Association, is in need of urgent repair to prevent further erosion, according to the first selectman.
“The Town Engineer has approved a scope and design and Public Works is coordinating work to be started this month,” he said. “The work is anticipated to take approximately one month to complete, and will require alternating traffic. Signage will be posted in the area, and additional information posted on the Town’s website, to indicate the temporary traffic pattern.”
Wolfe Park basketball court update
Construction of the new basketball courts at Wolfe Park is scheduled to begin within the next two weeks, according to Kellogg.
“The project, funded in part through a state grant, is scheduled to run through this fall,” he said. “The project involves complete reconstruction of the playing surface, relining for basketball and pickleball, new hoops and fencing.”
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Aug 9th: One person working on entire length of project – shoveling dirt from back of truck to fill behind new curbs.
Aug 10th: No work done on the culvert since Monday July 31st. Two crews working today – 1) pipe in road and 2) grading and topsoil work.