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Selectmen hear updates on South Avenue reconstruction, elevator delivery and Elm Street sewer repair
Summary
Public works and buildings staff updated the board on South Avenue roadway work and traffic management, a 32‑week elevator delivery schedule with materials beginning to arrive in January, and a deep excavation sewer repair on Elm Street expected to finish within days; no formal vote was required.
Department of Public Works and Buildings officials briefed the Board of Selectmen on June 24 about ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including the large South Avenue reconstruction, the town hall elevator replacement schedule and an emergency sewer repair on Elm Street.
Officials said shop drawings for the elevator were approved and the vendor will ship materials as they become available; the 32‑week worst‑case delivery window began in early June and staff expect initial deliveries the first week of January, with installation work to run into March. Staff said they delayed shaft work until materials were on site to avoid partial construction sitting idle.
On South Avenue, the town is allowing multiple crews in the corridor to meet a tight 12‑week schedule. Staff described early closures and detours, noted an unanticipated waterline that required undercutting within 10 feet of the work zone on day one, and said traffic control and signage have been emphasized to keep traffic flowing; officers and contractors reported operations were moving well after the first day.
At 150 Elm Street, a private contractor is conducting a deep sewer excavation; town staff said the contractor reported two to three remaining days to complete the work, and the town has asked for the pedestrian path to be opened while the contractor finishes. Staff noted the Elm Street excavation is private work being monitored by the town; the town removed a street tree to accommodate the work and will replace it when the project is finished.
Why it matters: South Avenue is a major corridor with significant construction impacts on traffic and access; the elevator replacement is a capital project with multi‑month delivery and installation timing that affects building operations; the Elm Street excavation is a near‑term neighborhood disruption with public‑safety and pedestrian impacts.
What’s next: Staff will continue to coordinate delivery logistics for the elevator, maintain signage and detours on South Avenue, and monitor the Elm Street contractor until the excavation is backfilled and sidewalks are reopened.
