Route 1 Project - Weekly Update (6-2-15)

FALMOUTH ROUTE ONE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Construction Update #39 – June 2, 2015

The following information reflects the latest available information regarding the Route One Infrastructure Project in Falmouth. Please note that forward-looking information is based upon projections and is subject to change due to weather and other variables.

WORK HOURS:

Work in the Route One Infrastructure Project zone for the remainder of this week will begin at approximately 6:00 a.m. and last until approximately 4:30 p.m.  Night work involving utilities cutovers to individual businesses may also occur. Cutover work will be scheduled directly between utilities contractors and the businesses themselves.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The last few days of rain is having an impact on progress in the corridor, but work is continuing and you’re likely to see some fairly dramatic progress in the next week or two.

Areas beyond the curb have been backfilled with loam and also have been hydro-seeded. Some areas remain to be loamed and you’ll see much of that work happen this week – including the islands at the Bucknam Road intersection.

Most of the utility lines are in place; Fairpoint has one short run to complete and Oxford Networks still has some line to pull. Otherwise, the primary utilities installations are ready to go and cutovers for a number of businesses are expected to begin early next week.

Later this week, you’re likely to see crews start to install the poles for the new street lighting. Next week, you’ll most likely see the beginning of landscaping work: the maples (one of five species of trees selected to line the corridor) will be installed.

The town recently created a video about the project.  It features comments from business owners along the corridor. Please watch the video at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fypGKdKKblg

There’s still a lot to do, but you’re going to see things happen quickly from this point forward. The goal of both the Town and the contractors is to ensure that everyone who uses Route One is pleased with the results.

If you operate a business along the corridor, you’re probably aware that construction projects of this scale can impact landscaping, drainage and other aspects of your site. The Town and the contractors are aware of most such impacts, and there will be an effort to mitigate all impacts to private property. Please make sure it’s on our “fix-it” list so that we can address your concerns before the project is complete. To do so, please contact Department of Public Works Director Jay Reynolds via email: jreynolds@falmouthme.org.

 

WORK CURRENTLY UNDERWAY:

As of Tuesday, June 2, crews were working on – or have completed – the following:

  • Sargent Corporation has been busy with grading, loaming and hydro-seeding. As mentioned, the grading and seed work on the north and south edges of Bucknam Road is largely complete.
  • The sidewalk on the north side of Bucknam road has been graveled and graded (paving is about two weeks out).
  • Sargent is installing a stormwater catch basin on Fundy Road.
  • Moulison has been installing control cabinets for various lighting systems.

WORK YOU’RE LIKELY TO SEE THROUGH THE END OF THIS WEEK:

  • On Wednesday, Sargent expects additional loaming and hydro-seeding in the vicinity of Wendy’s.
  • Sargent expects to complete the storm drainage system near the Foreside Tavern/Norway Savings Bank. Other than one additional system near F.O. Bailey’s (which can’t be installed until the overhead utility lines are removed), this is the last major drainage component in the project.
  • Later this week, Sargent expects to loam and hydro-seed the islands in the Bucknam Road intersection.
  • Sargent expects to begin installing the new permanent traffic signs along the corridor early next week.
  • Early next week, the curbing contractor will be on-site to set and finish curbing (mostly along the east side). This is likely to require lane shifts; flaggers will be on-site to assist in traffic flow.
  • Moulison North expects to start installing street lighting poles beginning late this week and into next week. This work is also likely to require some lane shifts; flaggers will be on-site.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS:

We’re looking south from the center island at the Bucknam Road intersection. That’s the Irving Convenience Store at far right. You can see that this area has now been graded and seeded.

This view looks west on Bucknam Road, from the corner of Route One. In the foreground is the base for a traffic signal (expect to see those installed in a few weeks). At right, you can see grade work is complete for seeding. The sidewalk starting at left of frame is now graveled and graded, leading up to the Maine Medical Center campus across from the fire house.