WESTFIELD—As the snow melts, the earth gets warmer, the sun sets later with every passing day and some familiar sounds of spring will fill the air—construction equipment.
The spring construction season is coming soon and the city will once again have its roads full with construction vehicles and roadwork. There are several projects that are expected to begin as early as later this month, including two that are carry-overs from last year’s construction season.
The first of the two carry-over projects is the ongoing pavement management program. The program, according to Westfield’s city engineer Mark Cressotti, was originally proposed by Mayor Brian Sullivan to help improve the road infrastructure throughout the city. The project has a computing program attached to it that helps city officials determine which streets to work on based on condition and financial factors.
MARK CRESSOTTI
Piping and other construction material on Little River Road, taken last October
Cressotti said that this construction season, the city is expected to continue to work on Montgomery Street and to a lesser extent Lockhouse Road, with an intent to work on Granville Road, as well as begin work on Franklin Street and Southwick Road. Additionally, Cressotti said that they will be looking at Avery Street and St. Dennis Street for possible pavement renovations this season, as well.
Another ongoing project is the Little River Road improvement. This state run project is aiming to widen the road due to increased traffic, as well as improve pavement condition and drainage. It is a project that has been overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and according to Cressotti, it is going to be “picking up with gusto.”
As for projects that will begin this construction season, there are several, as well.
Westfield River Esplanade
The first is one that has caused some contention at the city council meeting Thursday evening —The Columbia Greenway North construction. The project, which Cressotti said is a “$3 million effort that is covered by state and federal funds and is a state-managed construction project,” will focus on creating a traversable way on the railroad bridge that is across the Westfield River that connects Women’s Temperance Park and the Westfield River Esplanade.
Another project is one that is along a state corridor, but according to Cressotti is a municipal effort—the traffic light on Springfield Road/Route 20. That project, which is being funded with money from the MassWorks Program, is expected to move forward this construction season but a firm timetable was not set.
Also, sewer work is expected this season, which is tentatively including two projects, one in the Big Wood Drive area and another in the Joseph Avenue area. The Joseph Avenue-area project has received bids and those will be opened March 7, and Cressotti believes that the work on that project will begin “pretty much when the season begins.”
For the Big Wood Drive-area sewers, Cressotti said that the design process is underway, and “construction will start as soon as possible.” However, he said that a municipal bond would be required for the project, which will be requested by city council possibly during their next meeting.
