Somerset council asks consultants for phased sidewalk and ADA fixes after traffic and accessibility studies

Somerset’s council directed consultants on Monday to provide targeted cost estimates and engagement plans after reviews from The Traffic Group and Dewberry highlighted safety and accessibility issues across the town.

Town Manager EJ briefed the council on recent sidewalk work and longer‑term planning, saying the week of 07/07/2025 crews performed precision concrete shaving and that eight highly damaged sidewalk locations are scheduled for replacement on July 25. EJ said the town aims to incorporate periodic shaving into a long‑term maintenance cycle.

Paul Doerr, director of traffic engineering at the Traffic Group, told the council his team’s field observations found some signs and sight lines obstructed by shrubs but generally moderate vehicle speeds. “It’s not a design issue. It’s an enforcement issue,” Doerr said, arguing that signage and physical calming measures are visible but that drivers—often parents during school drop‑off—regularly ignore restrictions.

Dewberry landscape architect Kevin Mack presented the ADA/accessibility assessment and a phased approach Dewberry recommends for design, permitting and construction. Mack said much existing sidewalk does not meet current cross‑slope or detectable‑warning standards and described a multi‑phase plan for design and permitting work.

Council members pressed for costs and breakouts. Kevin Mack said the consultant design and permitting scope the firm proposed would likely be about $518,000 for design, permitting and project management and that construction costs would be bid separately. “Design is typically 7–10% of the overall construction cost,” Mack said, adding that a full‑town program would likely cost millions.

Rather than pursue a single large contract, council members asked for a phased plan described during discussion as “3 + 3 + 1.” The council’s request asks Dewberry to provide: (1) cost proposals and solutions for three town‑wide fixes—reconstructing street curves/curb and gutter to restore standard heights, making curb ramps PROWAG‑compliant with detectable warnings, and regrading unsafe drop‑offs adjacent to sidewalks; (2) engineering estimates for three ADA hotspots (the Surrey/Cumberland intersection steps, the Essex Avenue slope near 4818, and the Cumberland/Deal connection); and (3) a scope and cost to run a community design charrette and outreach process for a potential Cumberland sidewalk extension. Council President Barr framed the request as a way to deliver faster, visible benefits to residents while preserving options for longer projects.

The council also directed the Traffic Group to expand a sign inventory and to survey signage town‑wide (beyond the initial study area) so the town can begin phased cleaning and replacement using budgeted funds. EJ said staff would forward Public Safety Committee memos to the Traffic Group and ask the firm to review earlier committee recommendations.

Next steps: Dewberry and the Traffic Group will return with cost estimates for the requested items, and staff will coordinate procurement and community engagement planning. The council agreed to consider the consultants’ submissions and to schedule follow‑up at a future meeting.