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Selectmen authorize change request to expand West Swanzey crosswalk project
Summary
After a presentation on costs and schedule risks, the board authorized staff to apply for a change in scope to the town’s 2024 Manadnoc Alliance complete-streets award to add a fourth RRFB and extend the project timeline; motion passed by voice vote.
Selectmen authorized town staff to request a change in scope to the town’s 2024 Manadnoc Alliance for Sustainable Transportation complete-streets project, a move aimed at adding a fourth rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) and extending the project period.
The request follows a presentation from Stefan, who reviewed the grant award, tentative costs and a proposed reallocation. He told the board the additional features under consideration include an extra set of RRFBs, two pole-mounted lights that would be installed by Eversource, and concrete approach pads with ADA warning strips. Stefan said the fourth RRFB and related work would add about $22,000 to the project, with roughly $18,000 coming from a previously reallocated 2021 account and an estimated $4,000 from the rail-trail capital reserve if required.
“The whole added cost is that fourth column to the right, the 2026 edition,” Stefan said during the presentation, and later asked the board for “permission to apply for a change in scope to the 2024 round of the Manadnoc Alliance for sustainable transportation, complete streets project award.”
Board members pressed for clarifications on three cost items: an informal Eversource estimate of about $3,500 for two lights and a pole; concrete pads and ADA warning devices estimated at roughly $1,500 per pad; and the supplier’s schedule, which Stefan said has pushed installations into spring. Stefan also described coordination with the rail-trail committee and the state Division of Natural and Cultural Resources regarding pad placement, and raised concerns that snowmobile studs and grooming equipment could damage concrete pads.
Selectman Mark moved to authorize the change-request and to give Stefan authority to sign the application; Selectman Jim seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote. Stefan said he would place a work order with Eversource to get a site visit and more precise pole estimates.
Board members asked staff to tighten vendor and utility estimates before final contract work begins and to confirm whether the rail-trail committee will require concrete pads at the three Matthews Road crossings, which would multiply pad and device costs.
If the rail-trail requires additional pads on town roads, Stefan warned the total pad count — and cost exposure — could increase. The board did not set a construction start date; Stefan said the supplier is not scheduling installations until spring.
