Franklin St. construction will stretch until spring 2003
Published on August 15th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - Town Engineer and DPW Director Bob Grover says the Franklin Street reconstruction project will be done by the spring of 2003.
The town has already replaced the water and sewer mains. Keyspan Energy, the gas company, is installing a new gas main along Franklin Street, and NStar Electric is moving its poles.
The gas company is working at the Perkins Street intersection this week. Keyspan plans to go all the way into Melrose and then begin installing new connections off the new line.
“This takes a long time, but it will ensure that no one loses gas service,” Grover said.
D & R Construction of Franklin Street has been awarded the bid for reconstruction of the road, under the state Transportation Improve-ment Program. This fall D & R may begin some tree and curb removal. Also, depending on the weather, some work on the sidewalks may begin this fall, Grover said. Grover is working with D & R, the utilities and the state to coordinate efforts.
“There will be no substantial construction until the spring (of 2002),” Grover said. “Major construction will begin in April.”
One lane of Franklin Street, which handles 19,000 vehicle trips per day, will be open to traffic at all times.
“We will try to coordinate with the High School to do work in front of its entrance during school vacations or the summer,” Grover said.
As for commuters, those who can should find alternate routes, Grover added. During good weather from now until the summer of 2003, Franklin Street will be hairy.
When complete the project will include new sidewalks, new curbs, a rebuilt, wider road with a new drainage system and traffic signals at the Pine Street, Summer Street and High School intersections.
During construction a state engineer will have an office and phone line in a trailer at the Stevens Street Dump. But until he arrives, questions may be directed to Grover at the DPW, 781-438-0760.
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