Nantucket updates on paving, sewer force main and Surfside sewer projects; paving capacity limited by seasonality

Nantucket — Town staff updated the Advisory Committee of Nonvoting Taxpayers on July 12 about ongoing transportation and sewer work, emphasizing limited paving capacity and multiple projects in design or nearing completion. Libby Gibson told the committee a large Surfside-area project will start construction in early September and includes paving, drainage, a bike path and traffic calming in the Lovers Lane/Orkawa/Monahansett area. She said a pre-construction meeting has taken place and the town awarded a bid for the project. Gibson also said the third sewer force main is complete aside from final paving; some roads on the route have only base-course paving remaining, for example Gardner Street. Surfside sewer improvements are finished except for final paving, and the Surfside wastewater treatment facility upgrades are nearing completion. The Somerset sewer-extension project is in design. Gibson emphasized the town’s limited paving resources — “we have 1 paver and 1 asphalt plant and way too much work for that 1 paver to do” — and noted that summer is the best season weather-wise for paving but the worst season for traffic and logistics, so much work shifts to shoulder seasons. Why it matters: road and sewer projects affect travel, commercial access, stormwater interaction with paved surfaces and neighborhood disruption. Limited paving capacity and seasonal constraints slow the pace of road repairs and can extend construction schedules. Supporting details: The committee was told the Surfside-area sewer improvements and force main are functionally complete but require final paving. The large Surfside paving/drainage/bike-path project will begin after contractor mobilization. Quotes from the meeting: “The third sewer force main is done except for final paving,” Gibson said. “We have 1 paver and 1 asphalt plant and way too much work for that 1 paver to do.” Ending: Gibson asked residents to expect staging and periodic base-course conditions on some streets while final paving is scheduled; the town will update project timelines as work proceeds.