Board approves summer paving, cape‑seal and intersection upgrades totaling more than $2.4 million

The Board of Selectmen on May 6 approved a package of road maintenance and safety projects for summer 2025, including micro‑thin overlays and crack sealing, mill‑and‑pave projects, a Cape Seal program, and intersection improvements at Route 123 (New Norwalk Road/Brushy Ridge/Locust/Summer). The board approved the recommended contractors and contingencies by unanimous votes.

What the board approved: - Micro‑thin overlay and crack seal (Indusil Coating): $416,609.75 with a contingency (adjusted to 10%) bringing total to approximately $458,270.73. This work covers a micro‑thin overlay on selected segments and crack sealing across roughly 25 roads (37 segments). - Paving contract extension (FGB Construction): continuation of the 2024 low bid pricing for a milling, reclaiming and repaving package including Lakeview Lane, North Wilton Road, White Oak Shade, Marvin Ridge Road, Park Lane and Bridal Paths. Contract amount $1,655,805 plus a 10% contingency for a total approval of $1,820,805.33. Staff said the contractor agreed to hold most unit prices from last year; one asphalt unit rose 3.75% year‑over‑year, but the town’s overall expected cost remains below some recent market bids from neighboring towns. - Cape Seal addition (Seymour Seal Coating Services, using Watertown piggyback): $123,280 with contingency adjusted to 10% for a total of $135,580; the work covers cape seal/micro surfacing on several local roads using a 3/8” clean stone surface. - Intersection improvements at Route 123 (Burns Construction): $215,746.28 plus contingency (reduced to $21,500 in board discussion) for a total near $237,246.28. The project realigns the intersection, adds short sidewalk links, replaces pedestrian signals, upgrades curbing and addresses limited drainage work; the town has an encroachment permit from Connecticut DOT pending contractor selection.

Why it matters: the package contains the town’s primary seasonal roadwork and includes pedestrian‑safety upgrades at a long‑studied intersection that board members linked to a prior pedestrian strike and ongoing safety concerns. Staff said using prior bid pricing or contractor commitments reduced the town’s exposure to sharp market increases while enabling work to proceed this summer.

Timing and logistics: staff and contractors plan work starting this summer; some paving will occur while schools are in session. The board noted the need for traffic control and officers for key paving operations and planned outreach to affected residents. Staff will supply bid and quote documents (requested by finance) for line‑item review where quotes exceeded formal bidding thresholds.

Board action: motions to approve each contract and related contingencies passed unanimously.