Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Construction Impact topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Route 460 water-tie delay sparks dust complaints and calls for stricter work-zone mitigation
Summary
Contractor error and a requirement that replacement parts be American-made have delayed a wet-tap for Route 460, leaving an unpaved corridor that residents say is creating persistent dust; the council discussed timing, vendor responsibility and increased watering, and residents urged slower work-zone speeds.
Tazewell — Residents pressed town leaders on Aug. 12 for more aggressive dust mitigation after a contractor brought the wrong wet-tap part for a Route 460 water tie-in, delaying the project while an American-made replacement is obtained.
Staff said the project — funded through the state health department — requires American-made products and the part must be manufactured to spec. “They brought the wrong size,” a staff member said. The supplier acknowledged the error, staff said, and the manufacturer was reported to be producing a replacement part with an estimated lead time of a week or more. Until the tie-in is complete the road remains unpaved and the town is spraying water twice daily.
Residents described daily disruptions. Timothy Shoryganis (S8), a nearby resident, said vehicles and porches are coated in dust and asked the town to increase watering and consider temporary speed reductions in the active work zone. “Your vehicles are covered in dust. Your porches are covered in dust,” Shoryganis said.
Council members noted constraints tied to the health-department procurement and raised the possibility of seeking restitution from the contractor for extra costs. Staff said the health department’s procurement restrictions limited vendor choice for the wet tap and that an inspector has been on site during the work and testing.
Council directed staff to follow up with the supplier and health department about alternative procurement or remedies and to continue mitigation measures. Residents urged more frequent watering and stronger enforcement of slow speeds through the active work zone.
What to watch: The town awaits the replacement wet-tap part and subsequent health-department testing before final tie-ins and paving can proceed. The council asked staff to report back on supplier responses and any available options for faster procurement or remediation.
