Route One Project - Weekly Update (9-22-15)

FALMOUTH ROUTE ONE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Construction Update #54 – September 22, 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:

Periodic, small scale work may be expected in the next several weeks as wrap-up projects are completed. Other than ensuring plants are regularly watered, regularly-scheduled work is complete. No significant impacts to traffic are expected going forward.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

And with this, we are finished – or, very nearly so. Several small scale items remain, including finishing planting in the biofilters (landscapers are awaiting the arrival of more plants), the installation of banner poles on the south end of the project, and the installation of ADA – compliant audible signals at the main road crossings.

The banner poles and planting should be done by mid-October; the audible signals will likely be installed in early November. You’re also likely to see landscape crews regularly traveling the corridor to water trees and low plants.

Planting of remaining shade trees will happen next spring.

And, we’re coming in under budget.

The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce is working with town staff to develop a celebration of the project in early December, and again next spring. Stay tuned for more information.

This is the final regularly-scheduled update on this project. Future updates will be made if – and when – necessary. 

A MESSAGE FROM TOWN MANAGER NATHAN POORE:

“This project was conceived many years ago, with hundreds of stakeholders and more than a decade of planning and visioning.

“Implementation of that thoughtful planning process resulted in a construction project that required incredible resources to manage on a day to day basis. We knew that business and customer disruption was a concern for everyone, which is why we focused on limiting it.

“Limiting is not the same as eliminating, and we know that the transaction of business and movement of the traveling public was disrupted at times. We thank all the businesses, consumers and the traveling public for your tolerance during this project.

“Now, we hope you will see a renewed level of interest to conduct business and enjoy this exciting area of Falmouth.”

A MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS JAY REYNOLDS:

“There are many exceptional features to the Route 1 project, but the most notable achievement is the elimination of almost a mile of overhead wiring and utility poles. Falmouth is one of only a few communities in Maine that has undertaken this initiative, and this part of the project undoubtedly stands out as a tremendous improvement that transforms the business corridor on Route One.

“I am very satisfied with the quality of the work that was performed over the last two construction seasons. Sargent Corp. is a very professional contractor, and that professionalism showed in their responsiveness to issues as they arose and also how they conducted their business on the job site. It also shows in the quality of the final product.

“Finances were a critical part of the project. Falmouth voters approved through referendum the expenditure 'not to exceed 11.7 million dollars'.  The Town was able to achieve the goal of transforming Route One while also staying under budget.”

PHOTOS:

We don’t have any new photos for you this week – we invite you to go look for yourself – but we do have a rather fun video slide show that reveals the progress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLqjDm767kA