Select Board approves $107,730 contract change order for Hemlock Lane intersection

The Bedford Select Board voted unanimously to approve a contract change order with C. Naughton Corp. not to exceed $107,730.50 to redesign the Hemlock Lane and Route 62 intersection.

Town public-works staff said the redesign narrows the approach and improves sight lines to slow traffic entering Hemlock Lane from Burlington Road. "We're hoping just to focus on the intersection tonight," the public-works presenter said during the briefing. The motion, moved and seconded by a board member, authorized the town manager to take actions required to implement the work; the roll-call vote recorded five ayes and no nays.

Board members discussed the project in the context of the larger Hemlock Lane traffic-calming program, which has included temporary speed cushions and other measures. Staff told the board the intersection work can be piggybacked on an existing Route 62 contract to reduce procurement time and cost. The project will proceed under the town’s procurement and construction oversight; staff said final pricing may be negotiated down from the not-to-exceed amount.

The board’s approval completes the formal authorization for the contract change order; staff said they will follow standard permitting and construction notifications and return to the board if further approvals are required.