Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roads And Bridges topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board votes to temporarily close Almond Johnson Road after residents report it’s impassable
Summary
After residents and highway staff described washouts, fallen trees and GPS misdirections, the Select Board voted to temporarily close Almond Johnson Road for the summer, install signage and barricades, and to explore formal discontinuance with town counsel.
Residents and highway staff told the Select Board that Almond Johnson Road is currently impassable in places from washouts and fallen trees, creating safety and access problems for motorcycles, contractors and drivers following GPS directions.
Devin from the highway department said the road "needs a lot of gravel" and recommended temporarily closing the upper portion and installing barricades and signs. An abutter who joined by phone said the stretch functions effectively as a private road between him and the adjacent neighbor and supported permanent closure. Board members discussed options: short-term barricading and signage to stop through traffic, clearing trees where feasible, and a formal discontinuance process if the town ultimately wants to abandon maintenance.
A member moved to temporarily close the road and to purchase barricades and signage; another member seconded. The board voted in favor and agreed to keep the closure in place for the summer unless progress on clearing and repairs allows reopening earlier. Members also directed staff to consult with town counsel about the legal steps to discontinue a public way if the town chooses that route.
The motion passed without a recorded roll-call tally; staff will follow up on barricade procurement, installation locations and a timeline for any tree clearing or repair work.
