Tom Windus, superintendent of the Allegany County Department of Public Works, updated the board on capital projects on June 4, saying crews are working an emergency culvert repair on County Road 15 and building a detour for work on County Road 30.

Windus said the LC Whitford bridge project in Friendship has progressed well but faces two issues: a new DOT concrete requirement and delayed bearings. “Whitford might actually have to pull off-site for a few weeks and then come back in before they can get their bearings,” Windus said, adding that the contractor appears to have identified a way to address the concrete requirement.

On County Road 26 in Belfast, Windus said the town supervisor reported that a streetlight that previously stood at the intersection is no longer present because the telephone pole behind the guide rail was removed when the bridge was closed. That pole had carried 3-phase power underneath the bridge and across the street. Windus said he would contact the utility and obtain pricing to reinstall lighting, possibly by adding a COBRA-head fixture on an existing pole across the street. Chair Dwight Fantin said the board should review any proposal because of liability concerns and requested Windus get pricing and report back.

Windus also described ongoing scheduling impacts: chip-sealing and other seasonal work plus recent heavy rain and flooding have delayed progress on some roads. He noted crews might begin demolition work while the bridge crew is out to keep projects moving.

No formal vote was required for the project-status updates; Windus was directed to obtain pricing for the Belfast streetlight and return with the information.