Committee hears updates on Robinson Road work, manhole fixes and 4th Range underdrain delay

Staff reported progress on several local street projects and flagged small‑street maintenance as an ongoing funding concern.

At the meeting, the staff member responsible for road work said crews have “put the base down on Robinson — 2 and a half inches,” and that ditching is complete and trim work has begun. He added crews rebuilt the shoulders to stabilize the load edge, noting the shoulders may be “a little heavy” but will help prevent edge failure.

The staff member said planned underdrain work on 4th Range — roughly 700 feet from 5th Range toward Church Road — was postponed after crews coordinated schedules to avoid working at the same place as a tree company performing canopy lifts.

Committee members also raised the condition of Lower Beacon Hill Road, which one member said has not been touched in about 15 years and needs work; staff did not provide a firm schedule for that road.

Residents and members brought up several smaller side streets that are not part of larger state projects and said those roads need attention and additional funding. On a specific maintenance hazard, a member described a raised manhole cover at the end of a driveway that causes plow blades to catch; the staff member said BJ met with the Department of Transportation on Route 3 and Pembroke Hill to discuss the covers and that orange marks are in place where adjustments may be made.

The committee discussed funding limitations for smaller roads and agreed the town needs more money to address both major and minor street repairs. No formal decisions or funding allocations were made; staff said they will pursue DOT assistance on manhole adjustments and will continue scheduling work when crews and contractors are available.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after the updates.