Brooklyn St. Project on Schedule

by Amy Kolb Noyes

The Village of Morrisville's water main replacement project is right on
schedule, according to Morrisville Water & Light Superintendent Scott
Corse.
"We're very pleased," Corse commented of the work done thus far by
contractor TwinState Site Work, of Waterford. The crew is currently
laying an eight inch water line parallel to the existing four inch line
under Brooklyn Street, between Harrel Street and the intersection with
Bridge Street. Once the parallel line is put down, workers will "charge"
or disinfect the new line.
The next step will be to start working back up by Harrel Street, hooking
up customers to the new line. Brooklyn Street water customers are
currently being served by the older, four inch line. Corse said, rather
than using a backhoe to dig from the main to each customer, TwinState is
planning to bore holes beneath the roadway for each hookup.
"Hopefully, it will make the job a little quicker and cleaner," Corse
expressed.
Corse said MW&L's contract with TwinState calls for the work to be
complete by the end of the first week of August. He added he believes
the project is right on schedule.
After the village has completed the water main project, the Town of
Morristown intends to start in on a sidewalk project along the same
stretch of road. That project is expected to last the remainder of this
construction season and continue next year.
Morristown opened bids on the sidewalk project Monday, July 19. Bids
were submitted by TwinState, J.P. Sicard and Dubois Construction. Dubois
was the low bidder at $585,154. Town Administrator Paul McGinley noted
project delays and stretching the job out over two construction seasons
were factors in higher prices than originally expected for the project.
The bids now go to the state for review, as the sidewalk is a primarily
state-funded project.
Corse commented he is surprised how difficult it has been to change
people's driving habits. Despite media advisories and alternative route
signs, Corse said many drivers are choosing to wait through construction
delays rather than go around the project.
Commuters and others who are not doing business in the immediate
construction area are encouraged to take Route 15A and Route 100 to get
between the village and the north end business district.