Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Street Infrastructure And Dot Cooperation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caribou crews adjust manholes on Sweden and High streets as DOT paving projects progress
Summary
Utility crews reported progress preparing Sweden Street and High Street for paving: 16 manhole adjustments completed, more work on water boxes and flagger training to allow in‑house traffic control; trustees noted DOT coordination and costs to ratepayers.
Caribou utility crews are midway through preparation for DOT‑led paving on Sweden Street and High Street, the board heard June 11.
Staff reported about 16 manholes have been adjusted with roughly 16 more to go; water meter boxes were lowered and restored as part of preparation. Crew members are finishing flagger training so the utility can provide its own traffic control and reduce the need to work in two open lanes, which staff said should improve safety and traffic flow.
Trustees discussed coordination with Maine Department of Transportation projects in Caribou. Staff said DOT and the contractor have been flexible around rain and local events and that sidewalk and detectable‑warning work remains from last year’s projects. While DOT projects bring in town‑site contingency work, staff noted the expense is borne by Caribou Utilities District ratepayers because of the required utility adjustments and restorations tied to paving. One trustee called the projects “expensive for the ratepayers of CUD,” and staff agreed it has been a costly period with several major projects in consecutive years.
Staff emphasized that the more thorough work now should reduce future excavation: ‘‘we're taking care of it now, so we're not digging it up in a few years,’’ a staff member said, adding that the investment should keep infrastructure in good shape for another decade or more.
No formal votes were taken on the street projects at the meeting; staff said work will continue and will be coordinated with DOT schedules and permits.
