9.26.2006

The wear and tear of time and the steady increase in traffic over the past decade have brought some of our bridges and intersections to critical points. As a result, we have a few long over due road projects in the works or in the planning stages.

I am pleased to announce that the reconstruction of Alders Bridge Road is complete. The new section adheres to State specifications and is paved and striped for safety. The road intersects with Route 148 just west of Route 81.

Moving forward with the construction of a new bridge on Reservoir Road is my top priority. The steel culverts are rotted and the bridge has been closed to through traffic for a while now.  I am aware of the inconvenience caused by the necessary detour and sympathize with the area’s residents.The special committee that the Board of Selectmen appointed to research the facts associated with Reservoir Road considers Cardinal Engineering the best qualified to determine the scope of the work. The committee will help the firm look into alternative methods of building the bridge as soon as possible, without sacrificing either efficiency or safety.                 

In February, 2007, we expect to have three traffic infrastructures put out to bid for updating. These include the juncture of Green Hill Road and Route 81, the bridge on Burr Hill Road, and Pond Meadow Road. It is expected that work will commence in the spring.

We have all the facts, figures, and resources in place to begin redirecting Green Hill Road to a perpendicular junction with Route 81. Howard Pfrommer, an engineer with N. Jacobson & Associates described the proposed changes at the Selectmen’s meeting of September 10.  It is difficult for motorists on Green Hill Road to merge with north bound traffic on Route 81 due to the sharp angle and the rise in Route 81 to the south. There have been close calls and we want to avoid serious accidents. Gary Ballard, owner of the Killingworth Village Shopping Plaza, donated a small parcel of land to the town to enable us to proceed with this improvement. Traffic will be detoured through Stevens Road while work is in progress.

The bridge on Burr Hill Road has deteriorated over time and this road, too, is scheduled for repair.  In this instance, I am attempting to anticipate problems before they occur. The placing of Jersey barriers , though not aesthetic, will hopefully deter accidents before we finish the necessary renovations. I have received comments from residents who use this bridge regularly that traffic has slowed down. In addition, we have discovered that the pipes on Pond Meadow Road need attention.  Our plans include the necessary repairs on that road as well.

The Department of Transportation is going to alleviate the congestion at the traffic circle on Route 81 and 80. They have presented us with plans for our consideration that will improve the flow of traffic. The public is invited to a hearing regarding the DOT’s proposal on October 16, at  KES.

I will continue to keep you informed about the status of these projects. They are all necessary improvements to ensure the safety of our citizens. I wish to thank you for your patience and understanding while reconstruction is going on. To take a line from my predecessor, "Drive carefully."   

Marty Klein