Main Street Improvement Project Update, second half of October 2008

Today, Wednesday, October 15, 2008 through October 24, 2008

The Quadrant 3 and 4 light poles are being installed and wired. As soon as they are wired, they will be lit in the evenings.

Concrete sidewalks will continue to be poured from the Town House to Railroad Avenue on 10/16, 10/21, 10/23, and 10/25. The remaining areas will be filled in prior to November.

National Grid is working on the electric vault at the top of the Old Andover Village parking lot this week. Once finished, the sidewalk in this area can be poured. National Grid will then work on the electric vaults at the Andover Historical Society and at TDBanknorth.

The town will remove the remaining wires hanging across Main Street.

Signal pole work at Harding Street and North Main Street will begin within the next two weeks.

Week of October 27, 2008

The section of roadway from Chestnut Street to Post Office Avenue and the roadway from the Mobil Station to Railroad Street will be “milled and overlaid”. That means that the existing asphalt will be removed (as was done from Wheeler Street to Chestnut Street) and a new base coat of asphalt poured. The top coat will be completed in the spring time after any settlement as occurred.

There may be detours at this time and notices will be emailed out, posted on the website, and message boards out on Main Street will detail the days of construction.

Free parking in all downtown parking lots will be provided to help alleviate the disruption during this phase of construction. The free parking will take place on the days that the downtown is being paved. Please pass this information on to your friends, family, patrons and customers.

Also, please note that there are 14 free parking spaces at all times with covers over the meters. These meters are "free" for two hours to anyone one that parks in them.

~ Thank you for your continued patience! ~

Main Street Improvement Project Update

Today, Friday, October 3, 2008

As of today, the four residual telephone utility poles north of Chestnut Street were finally removed. A few remaining overhead wires remain, but will be removed as soon as possible.

All of the old "cobra" head lights were removed from Quadrant 4, Eastern Insurance to Alpers Fine Art.

The underground conduit necessary for the new light poles, along the sidewalks in Quadrant 4, is almost complete.

The concrete truck is on Main Street filling voids left in Quadrant 3 and is beginning Quadrant 4 pours. Please be careful and keep an eye out for anyone trying to write their name in the concrete!

Week of October 8, 2008

Concrete sidewalk and curbing installation will continue in Quadrant 4 throughout the entire week. It is expected that Alpers Fine Art will be poured either Monday or Tuesday and the concrete crew will proceed south to Kabloom as the week progresses.

Sidewalks from Eastern Insurance to Beauty Solutions will be poured today throughout next week.

The decorative lamp posts will hopefully be installed in Quadrant 3, TDBanknorth to Kaps.

Sidewalk construction will also continue from Railroad Street north and between the Memorial Hall Library and Lewis Street.

After late-October, it is not recommended to pour concrete, therefore Newport Construction will work diligently to finish all existing torn up sidewalks as soon as possible. Areas not yet disturbed will be done in the spring time, specifically the intersections where the traffic signal work will occur.

Important: It is expected that on Monday night, October 8, 2008 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., one final water shut off will occur between Chestnut Street and Post Office Avenue. This is necessary to put in the bases of the new lights on Quadrant 4 where an active but not needed water main is located. There is a new water main that will supply water to all businesses and residences in this area and the old one will be "retired". See Attached Notice (pdf 64k)!

Weeks of October 15 and 22, 2008

The light poles should be installed in Quadrant 4.

Bay State Gas will continue to "tie-in" users along North Main Street and Main Street.

The section of roadway from Chestnut Street to Post Office Avenue and the roadway from the Mobil Station to Railroad Street will be "milled and overlaid". That means that the existing asphalt will be removed (as was done from Wheeler Street to Chestnut Street) and a new base coat of asphalt poured. The top coat will be completed in the spring time after any settlement as occurred.

There may be detours at this time and notices will be emailed out, posted on the website, and message boards out on Main Street will detail the days of construction.

~ Thank you for your continued patience! ~

Main Street Improvement Project Update

Today, Friday, September 19, 2008

Construction crews are finalizing the pouring of the concrete sidewalks and scoring patterns along Quadrant 3, TDBanknorth to Kaps. Some curbing in this area had to be reset due to adequate ADA grading and drainage. The problems have been corrected and by the end of the day, most areas should be completed.

Week of September 22, 2008

The decorative lamp posts will be installed in Quadrant 3, TDBanknorth to Kaps.

Telephone poles should be removed in Quadrant 2, Dunkin Donuts to Sovereign Bank, by the utility companies.

Cobra head highway light poles will be removed in Quadrant 4, Eastern Insurance to Alpers Fine Art.

Important: Night work will occur in Quadrant 4, Eastern Insurance to Alpers Fine Art, Monday and Tuesday night. Construction crews will remove existing sidewalk and curbing at night to minimize disruption to the businesses. The construction will begin after 7 p.m. and will continue through early morning. The remainder of the sidewalk work that week will be done during the daytime hours. Daylight is the optimal time to do the underground utility work.

The roadway at Punchard Street and Main Street will be raised to meet the grade at the end of the handicap ramp (approximately 5"). The roadway from Wheeler Street to Chestnut Street will be milled and overlaid from September 24 to September 26, 2008. Detours may be necessary! There is signage posted and electronic boards on either end of Main Street. The roadway will only have a base coat and the top coat will be applied in the spring after settlement has occurred.

New areas to be under construction: Sidewalk construction will also occur at Railroad Street north and between the Library and Lewis Street. Construction crews will remove existing sidewalk material, reset existing curbing and begin to prepare for new sidewalks. Please note that the areas in front of Butler Bank and the Safety Center should be under construction Monday, September 22, 2008. The Mobil Station sidewalk will be under construction beginning Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

Week of September 29, 2008

The conduit for the new light poles will be laid and light pole foundations installed in Quadrant 4. This task is complicated and takes time to complete (approximately work 5 days). Once the underground utilities are complete, the soil and fill can be graded to the slope required. Lastly, the concrete will be poured and scored in sections. It is expected to take a total of three weeks from beginning to end. Access to the buildings will be maintained.

After October 3, 2008

Construction of the Elm Square reconfiguration will begin.

After March 1, 2009

Trees will be installed throughout Main Street in the springtime when all of the sidewalk areas are complete. There will be trees will be in some areas that may appear to not have openings at this time. The project is still under construction and many areas will be further improved with time.

The top coat of asphalt in all areas (sidewalks and roadway) will not happen until the end of the project.

Thank you to everyone for tolerating the construction.
Your patience is much appreciated.
In the end, the downtown will be a great place for all!

Main Street Improvement Project Update

Week of September 8, 2008

The intersections between Wheeler Street and Punchard Street along Main Street will be under construction throughout the end of the week. The corners will be concrete with handicap accessible ramps. The asphalt sidewalks from Wheeler Street to Punchard Street are not finished; a top coat of asphalt will be poured after all settlement has occurred.

Decorative light poles are being installed In Quadrant 2 (Andover Historical Society to the Gulf Station). Quadrant 2 should be 90% complete this week. In some areas, underground utilities still require final work and those sections will be cordoned off from pedestrians.

Quadrant 3 (TDBanknorth to Kaps) is still under major construction. The light pole conduit was installed and the light pole foundations completed. Sections of concrete are being poured today through the end of the week. A section of curbing had to be reset due to the final grading of the base of the ramp in front of Rapids and TDBanknorth. The final public sidewalk must have a slope less than 1.5% towards the roadway. The sidewalks will be scored into a pattern of 2’ x 4’ staggered rectangles, as they are poured. It is expected that they will complete Quadrant 3 in most areas by early next week. There are a few areas with complicated underground utilities, including at the corner of Park Street and Main Street.

The signal and traffic light work is still under construction at Harding Street, Stevens Street and North Main Street. There are several underground utility issues as well as the continued installation of the new Bay State Gas main.

Week of September 15, 2008

Quadrant 4 (Eastern Insurance to Alpers Fine Art) will begin construction mid-week next week pending weather and unforeseen circumstances. First, the curbing will be removed throughout the length of Quadrant 4. The new curbing will then be installed. The conduit for the new light poles will be laid and light pole foundations installed. This task is complicated and takes time to complete. Once the underground utilities are complete, the soil and fill can be graded to the slope required. Lastly, the concrete will be poured and scored in sections. It is expected to take three weeks. Access to the buildings will be maintained.

Week of September 22, 2008

The intersection of Punchard Street and Main Street is not complete. Beginning this week, the roadway will be raised to meet the grade at the end of the handicap ramp (approximately 5"). The main reason for the grade change is to direct water flow to the catch basins in the roadway. The roadway from Wheeler Street to Chestnut Street will be milled and overlaid beginning September 22, 2008. The roadway will only have a base coat. The top coat will be applied in the spring after settlement has occurred.

After October 1, 2008

Construction of the Elm Square reconfiguration will begin.

After March 1, 2009

Trees will be installed throughout Main Street in the springtime when all of the sidewalk areas are complete. There will be trees will be in some areas that may appear to not have openings at this time. The project is still under construction and many areas will be further improved with time.

The top coat of asphalt in all areas (sidewalks and roadway) will not happen until the end of the project.

Thank you to everyone for tolerating the construction.
Your patience is much appreciated.
In the end, the downtown will be a great place for all!

Updated Main Street Schedule 8/18/08 - 8/29/08

8/18/08 - 8/29/08 (Over the next two weeks, a significant amount of construction work will be taking place in order to complete as much as possible prior to the first day of school).

Quadrant 1 (CVS to Ultimate Perk) will have the remainder of the new sidewalks poured and scored. The decorative lights will be installed. Other final sidewalk improvements will be completed. Drainage and Singal Mast work will still occur at the intersection of Chestnut and Main.

Quadrant 2 (Gulf Station to Andover Historical Society) will have the light pole bases installed and the new sidewalk will be poured starting Wednesday, August 20th (weather pending). Drainage and other utility work will still occur at the Old Town House and Park and Barnard Streets.

Starting today, Quadrant 3 (TDBanknorth to Kaps) will have the curbing removed, new curbing installed, concrete removed and sidewalk grading for a new sidewalk. While the concrete sidewalk is removed, the electrical conduit for the new decorative lights will be installed, the light pole bases will be installed, and other underground utilities (including National Grid) will reconstruct their equipment prior to new sidewalks being poured.

Quadrant 4 (Royal Jewelers to Elm Square) will begin sometime in the next two to three weeks.

Some work will be done at night to speed up the timeline.

Thank you for your patience during this very difficult and busy construction time.

Main Street Improvement Project Schedule

Update: August 1, 2008

As of today, August 1, 2008, the sidewalk area is under major construction from Punchard Street (Ultimate Perk) to Chestnut Street (CVS). In the last two weeks, several setbacks and issues arose and were resolved (e.g. procuring the correct sidewalk curbing, locating suitable locations for the new light poles, and accommodating the existing underground utilities). As a result of the above delays, the sidewalk schedule was prolonged into early October.

However, in consultation with Massachusetts Highway, Newport Construction, and the Town of Andover, Newport Construction will perform some nighttime work so that the downtown sidewalk work may be completed as soon as possible. Not all work will be done at night because there are many areas that require daytime light and specialty construction crews. Also, it is important that the work be doubled up, so that it can be completed more rapidly.

*** Starting Monday night, August 4, construction from Punchard Street (Andover Historical Society) to Chestnut Street (Gulf Service Station) will begin at 8 p.m. in the evening and will continue until early morning. There will also be daytime work occurring. ***

Monday August 4 — Friday August 15

Both east and west sidewalks (also referred to in prior notices as Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2) will be under construction. Please advise all patrons and customers to park on the side streets or in the Old Andover Village Parking Lot (access will always be provided).

During this phase of construction, you will see the contractor perform grading of the soil for even and accessible sidewalks, new curb locations per the engineered plans, new granite curbing installed, new light pole foundations poured, drainage structures upgraded, and new sidewalks poured. The new light poles may also be installed and the old cobra head light poles removed

It is anticipated that Chestnut Street to Elm Square (both east and west sides) will be combined and night work performed as well in order to complete as much as possible prior to September 4, 2008.

Please note: In some areas, parking along both sides of the street during the combined sidewalk work will be temporarily prohibited; however speeding up the project to complete the downtown portion prior to the fall is of the highest importance.

Thank you as always for your patience.
~Lisa

a brief update on the progress of the Main Street Improvement Project

Bay State Gas's nighttime work is ending this week and major daytime construction will begin again. Bay State Gas will be working on North Main Street in a predominantly residential area and night work is not conducive to residential neighborhoods. Therefore, there will be delays and some disruption during daytime hours. Once the work in Main Street is complete, the "tie-in" from the old gas line to the new one will take a couple of months with a possible completion date in November 2008.

July 21 and 22, Bay State Gas will be working at High Street and Elm Square.

Sidewalk Construction in Downtown has been delayed by two weeks due to the incorrect curbing that was delivered to the site. A very detailed type of curbing was specified by the Main Street Committee to keep downtown from looking like a typical "highway" and visually remain looking like a pedestrian friendly downtown. The curbing will hopefully be delivered to the site on Friday, July 25, 2008. In the meantime, temporary asphalt has been poured to help with pedestrian circulation.

Due to the delay at Quadrant 1, each Quadrant will be delayed respectively by at least two weeks. It is estimated that each Quadrant will take about 2+ weeks to complete.

• Quadrant 1 – Punchard Street (Ultimate Perk) to Chestnut Street (CVS) will begin as soon as the correct curbing arrives.
• Quadrant 2 – Punchard Street (Andover Historical Society) to Chestnut Street (Gulf Station).
• Quadrant 3 – Chestnut Street (Eastern Insurance) to Post Office Avenue (Alpers Fine Art).
• Quadrant 4 – Chestnut Street (TDBanknorth) to Central Street (Kaps).

Elm Square will be a separate project that may be under construction simultaneously as the Quadrants. Elm Square is going to be reconfigured with new signals, new crosswalks, new curbing and sidewalks, and will have several alternations to the driving patterns.

As always, we thank you for your patience.

Main Street Project Update

Main Street is under full construction

Much of the Bay State Gas line replacement and water line repairs are taking place at night, but Verizon is doing a significant amount of utility work during the day, as well Newport Construction and the concrete sidewalk replacement, drainage work and signalization.

Some projects you see are not part of the Main Street Project, for example, the walkway and awning replacement at the TDBanknorth building where Rapids, Nazarians, Dino Furs, Quiet Pleasures, and Stride Rite are located. This project will improve the leaks into the building as well as the aesthetics of the building. Please bear with them during construction. Again, it is not part of the Main Street project, just coordinated along with the Main Street Project.

Bay State Gas update

Bay State Gas will continue night work for at least two more weeks at Elm Square. There have been many issues with existing underground utilities. This should not affect Newport Construction's schedule too much because the preliminary sidewalk work is closer to Punchard Street. However, the Bay State Gas tie-ins along the entire project may affect Newport's schedule.

Schedule Update

• Overnight work main work should be completed by tomorrow, Friday July 11, 2008. If this changes, I will let you know.
• The sidewalk construction (tearing up existing concrete) began yesterday, July 9, 2008.
   
  Note: The new curbing that was delivered was rejected because it did not meet the specifications as determined by the Main Street Committee. The Main Street Committee spent numerous hours researching granite curbing that would be appropriate for a downtown area. The committee felt that a more rounded edge was needed due to the historic nature of downtown and the fact that most people parallel park and hit the curb. Therefore, the specifications included a ¼ rounded ("flamed") edge. The granite delivered did not contain this edge. The sidewalk work along Punchard to Chestnut will be delayed by a few days due to this mishap. We apologize for any inconveniences!
• In the next 2 weeks the light foundations will be poured, conduit laid, old poles removed and new poles will be installed. NGRID will not take up the foundations for the existing light poles, so Newport Construction must do it.
• As soon as the subcontractor is ready, signals at the intersection of Harding and Main Street will begin and will progress south to Lewis Street.
• There is still drainage work to be completed at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Main Street as well as at the corner of Park Street and Main Street.

!!IMPORTANT!!

Fox Morning News will visit Andover on Friday, July 18, 2008 to highlight Andover on its Zip Trip series!

Filming will take place in the Town Park. They will broadcast LIVE for three hours beginning at 6 a.m. Tell your friends and family! Be there and bring lots of smiles.

Let's make Andover look like we're a fun town to visit!!!!

Attention Residents and Business Owners

Necessary work on the existing water main and fire hydrants on Main Street will continue on Monday July 7, 2008 through Thursday July 10, 2008 as part of MassHighway's Main Street Roadway Reconstruction Project. During this time, you will experience an interruption in water service between the hours of 10PM and 5AM.

The shutdowns are expected to affect Main Street from Punchard Avenue to Elm Square.

Fire hydrants will be run, if necessary, to alleviate discolored water. When water service is restored, please run your outside spigot until the water runs clear.

The construction may cause some adjustments in the neighborhood driving patterns; however, every effort will be made to make this inconvenience as slight as possible.

There may be detours and delays. Emergency vehicles will not be prevented from responding to their calls.

Feel free to contact the Andover Department of Public Works, should you have any questions at 978-623-8390 or 978-623-8350.

Should additional information become necessary, please refer to the Town of Andover website at www.andoverma.gov.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Schedule Update, July 7, 2008 — July 18, 2008

Thank you to all that have endured through the over night work and water main shut downs thus far.

The water shut down will continue at night beginning Sunday, July 6 at 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. through July 10, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Hopefully this will conclude the water main work. This will only occur from Punchard Street to Elm Square.

Bay State Gas will continue to work at night in Elm Square for at least 2 more weeks. They have encountered numerous underground obstacles and issues.

Also, Bay State Gas will be doing additional work in the Wheeler Street to Punchard Street area for gas line tie-ins. The binder coat for the asphalt will be put down after Bay State Gas finishes, but in order to prevent large dips and holes in the final coat, the roadway will be given time to settle prior to installing a smooth final top coat of asphalt.

Please note, the below sidewalk construction schedule has changed based on Bay State Gas's schedule:

The sidewalk construction work downtown will be divided into four parts or "quadrants". The first quadrant (Quadrant 1) that will be under construction is the EAST side of Punchard Street to Chestnut Street (i.e. Ultimate Perk to CVS). The curbing, sidewalks, and lights will be removed and replaced. It is estimated that this work will take approximately two weeks +/- from beginning to end. Newport Construction will be taking down the existing "cobra" head lights and replacing them with the base and then pole and globe of the new pedestrian style lighting. This work will begin Monday, July 7, 2008!

Quadrant 2 is the WEST side from Punchard Street to Chestnut Street (i.e. Dunkin Donuts to the Gulf Station).

Quadrant 3 is the WEST side from Chestnut Street to Elm Square (i.e. TDBanknorth to Kaps).

Quadrant 4 is the EAST side from Chestnut Street to Elm square (i.e. Royal Jewelers to Alpers).

Elm Square and the Old Town Hall are two distinct areas and will be done separately and possibly simultaneously with the other Quadrants.

The sidewalks will be removed down to a base to provide for level groundwork that will be prepared for the new concrete sidewalk. During construction temporary access will be created to the businesses whenever possible. There will be grading changes along the sidewalk in some areas and this may create temporary difficulties. Mass Highway will try to resolve all issues prior to actual construction.

Signalization at Harding Street will begin when the Subcontractor is ready, hopefully in the next week or so.

Attention Residents and Business Owners

Necessary work on the existing water main and fire hydrants on Main Street will continue on Sunday, June 29, 2008 through Wednesday, July 2, 2008 as part of MassHighway's Main Street Roadway Reconstruction Project. During this time, you will experience an interruption in water service between the hours of 10PM and 5AM.

The shutdowns are expected to affect Main Street from Morton Street to Elm Square, including Punchard Avenue. Fire hydrants will be run, if necessary, to alleviate discolored water. When water service is restored, please run your outside spigot until the water runs clear.

The construction may cause some adjustments in the neighborhood driving patterns; however, every effort will be made to make this inconvenience as slight as possible.

There may be detours and delays. Emergency vehicles will not be prevented from responding to their calls.

Feel free to contact the Andover Department of Public Works, should you have any questions at 978-623-8390 or 978-623-8350. Should additional information become necessary, please refer to the Town of Andover website at www.andoverma.gov.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

June 19, 2008 3-week Look Ahead Schedule

June 23 – June 28

Traffic Signal work will begin at the Chestnut Street intersection.

Bay State Gas will continue nighttime work downtown. Bay State Gas will continue to progress from the Old Andover Village Parking Lot towards Elm Square.

Beginning June 24, Parking areas at Doherty Middle School (on Bartlet Street) and behind Free Christian Church (Elm Street) are available for daytime all day employee parking. Mid-summer 9 additional spaces will be added to the municipal parking lot behind the Old Town Hall.

June 30 – July 3

Newport Construction will perform water line work at night beginning Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 7 p.m. and will continue for four nights. There may be water shut offs this week and additional information will be provided as to exact date, time and location.

Newport Construction will continue work at Chestnut Street.

Bay State Gas will continue night work and it is anticipated that they will reach Elm Square. Important: Bay State Gas will need to do some work on Post Office Avenue as well.

July 7 – July 19 (two weeks)

IMPORTANT: Newport Construction commences work Downtown. Their schedule as of today, June 19, 2008 is as follows:

Chestnut Street to Elm Square (WEST SIDE, i.e. TDBanknorth to Kaps) sidewalks will be excavated, existing curb will be removed, conduit, electric hand holes and new light poles will be installed, new curbing will be installed, sidewalk will be prepared and new scored concrete will be poured and cured. This work will most likely take two full weeks.

After Bay State Gas completes their night time work in Elm Square, it will return to day time work due to the many residences between the Andover Safety Center and Stevens Street.

June 10, 2008 Important Main Street Project Schedule Update

The request for Bay State Gas to do their downtown work (gas main replacement) overnight has been accepted and is now being coordinated. This means that beginning Sunday, June 15, 2008, Bay State Gas will perform night time construction work from Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Currently, Bay State Gas has been working during the daytime hours and has completed work from Wheeler Street to Locke Street.

The benefits of Bay State Gas doing the work at night are:

1. No daytime detours;
2. Reduced daytime business disruption;
3. Decreased daytime debris; and
4. Newport Construction will continue to work on the Main Street Improvement Project during the daytime, possibly reducing the longevity of the project as a whole.

Bay State Gas will begin the night time work at Punchard Street and Main Street and work towards Elm Square. The work will take several weeks to complete.

General Main Street Construction schedule:
Week of June 9, 2008 — June 30, 2008

For the remainder of this week, June 5 and 6, 2008, Bay State Gas will continue to cut the outline of the trench along Main Street for work to begin mid-week next week (the week of June 9th). The trench excavation and pipe line replacement for the downtown will begin at Punchard Street and will require a detour while it crosses Main Street at this intersection. The bulk of the construction will be at Punchard Street June 10, 2008 through June 20, 2008. Work will continue north to Elm Square systematically as each section of pipe line replacement is completed.

The drainage improvements will continue in several locations along Main Street (Barnard Street, Park Street, Chestnut Street) at least through June 13, 2008.

Wheeler Street north to Punchard Street will have the roadway milled, leveled and a base and top coat of asphalt done as soon as Bay State Gas has completed their work. This area of the project will be primarily completed until tree replacement is done in the fall.

Newport Schedule is based on Bay State Gas's progress. Once Bay State Gas completes work on Main Street, Newport Construction can begin the roadway and sidewalk replacement as well as conduit work for the new lights.

In areas where the sidewalk is flush with the entranceway into a building, there may be some grading work that needs to be completed. If you have a business that has a flush entranceway, some additional coordination may be needed with you prior to sidewalk work. Sidewalk work in downtown is expected in July and August 2008.

Simultaneous with the above schedule, Bay State Gas will begin to replace the gas main at Harding Street and Railroad Street. An exact start date has not yet been given. Traffic Signal construction at this location will begin after Bay State Gas completes the gas line replacement.

The redesign of Elm Square is complicated and will take a significant portion of the summer. Once the utility work and drainage work are complete, Newport Construction will begin to reconstruct Elm Square and install new signalization, sidewalks, crosswalks, islands, curbing, etc.

Main Street Project 3 Week Look Ahead — May 27, 2008

Newport Construction will continue to work on the sidewalks and entrance/exit ways from Harding and Stevens Street south to Pearson Street (near the Mobil Gas Station).

The drainage work at Chestnut Street, Park Street and Barnard Street is scheduled to be completed pending the outcome of potential conflicts.

The installation of traffic signal conduit at Elm Square may begin within the next few weeks.

Bay State Gas will continue to work in a northerly direction. Currently, they are working near Wheeler Street and Morton Street. The current schedule shows Bay State Gas reaching Punchard Street at the end of June.

Bay State Gas will be installing high pressure pipe at Stevens Street within the next few weeks to make room for the traffic signal mast arm that is part of the Main Street Improvement Project.

Map of Downtown Andover

Download/print this map of downtown Andover (pdf 460k).

3 Week Look Ahead - Main Street Construction

May 12 – May 17

NEWPORT Construction will continue to remove and reset the curbing on the East side. The sidewalks and driveways should be completed by the end of the week.

Test pits at Chestnut Street and Barnard at Main Street will continue until information is accurate and work completed. The test pits at Chestnut Street revealed many obstructions that are being addressed. If the issues were not found now, it would have delayed the downtown work this summer. The test pits are very important to the timeliness of the work this summer.

There will be possible additional drainage work at Chestnut Street pending the utility obstruction outcome.

It is anticipated that the same issues will be found at Park Street and Barnard Street.

At Elm Square (Central Street and Essex Street on the Library side), the work is being performed by Verizon with assistance by Newport Construction.

It is important to conduct the test pit work to find all of the issues now prior to the summertime construction. If the work is not done at this time, further delays would have been encountered this summer.

May 19 – May 24

It is expected that Verizon will finish the work at Elm Square (Central Street and Essex Street on the Library side). Due to the obstructions encountered at Chestnut Street, Verizon will probably move to that location.

BAY STATE GAS is tentatively scheduled to commence work at Wheeler Street and Main Street near Phillips Academy. Newport Construction will either be performing drainage work at Park Street or Barnard Street depending on the utility conflicts being resolved at that time.

May 27 – May 30

NEWPORT expects to finish drainage work at Park Street and Barnard Street and will commence with Fire Hydrant relocations at Chestnut Street, Barnard Street & Park Street.

BAY STATE GAS will continue working in a northerly direction.

May 31, 2008 - Andover Days, Main Street will be closed to through traffic for the Event.

What's Going On Out There?
It's the Main Street Improvement Project!

(A printable version of this post can be viewed/downloaded here.)

The Massachusetts Highway Department is well underway with its reconstruction project of Main Street Andover, from Stevens Street to Wheeler Street.

The project includes designated car turning lanes, paver crosswalks, underground utility lines, handicap access, new street lamps, tree grates and new trees, synchronized traffic signals, and much more. In the end, Andover hopes to have a well-designed, safe and vibrant downtown.

The Main Street Committee has reviewed the plans and monitored the progress for several years. The Committee knows that the construction affects homeowners, employees, tenants, business and building owners in and around Main Street.

Now that it is May, the Main Street Committee has a better understanding of the process and timing of the project.

The Main Street Committee will hold a Public Informational Session on:Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at
Memorial Hall Library at 7:00 p.m.

If you have questions or would like to view the Main Street improvement plans, feel free to contact the Planning Division at (978) 623-8310, or visit the Office of Community Development & Planning between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please pass along the date and time of the informational meeting. All citizens and business owners, tenants and employees, are invited to attend.

The Main Street Committee believes that once the project is completed, Main Street will be a great place for all!

May 12 – May 16 Construction Update

Test Pits

In order for the bulk of the construction to occur downtown this summer (July and August), additional test pits (i.e. researching the area around the manholes) needs to be occur next week, from May 12 - 16th.

The locations for the test pits are the corner of Barnard Street and Park Street at Main Street (on the side of the old Town Hall) and also at the corner of Chestnut Street and Main Street on the CVS side.

The locations are isolated and contained and I believe that access to all sidewalks will remain intact.

Curbing Removal and Reuse

Also, as part of the project, the existing curbing downtown will be retained and reused, but in areas along North Main Street.

This summer, the downtown (Elm Square to Punchard Street) will be getting new curbing that is designed and manufactured to look aged. The downtown curbing will be given this aged look so that when installed, it will blend in with the historic nature of downtown and will not have a hard sharp edge like a new highway.

In order to reuse as much curbing as possible, only some (not all) of the existing curbing downtown will be removed beginning next week, so that it can be used in areas along North Main Street. Once removed from downtown, temporary asphalt curbs will be poured. This is temporary, and in July and August the new "aged" looking granite will be installed downtown when the sidewalks are poured and the street repaved. Please bear with us during this transitional time.

3 Week look-ahead SCHEDULE for May 2008

Week of April 28th

Newport Construction to strip existing sidewalks from Railroad Ave to the Safety Center (WEST SIDE). No Parking signs have been posted.

Newport Construction will install the traffic light conduit, compact and grade sidewalks and then pour concrete. Concrete will be left out at all Bay State Gas service locations and hot mix (asphalt) will be temporarily used. Granite curbing will be removed and reset ("R&R") before the concrete is poured.

Test Pits will be done at Harding Street and Main Street to locate High Pressure Gas.

Week of May 5th and May 12th

Traffic Barrels will be installed on the EAST SIDE from Elm Square to the MBTA Bridge to allow the sidewalks to be constructed and curbing remov and reset in that area. No Parking signs will be posted. This work will take 10 working days.

Newport Construction would like to excavate the sidewalks from Dunkin Donuts (WEST Side) and go north 800' +/- to install conduit trench for Verizon and Comcast. This would allow the utility companies' time to remove the existing telephone poles. The sooner this is coordinated the better.

NOTE: A few sections of curbing will be required to be removed from the Downtown area to be used at areas North and South of project. This is because the downtown is new curbing and the outer areas of downtown are receiving some existing curbing to keep costs down and the curbs looking "antique" and uniform.

* This schedule is subject to change.

Main Street Three Week Construction Schedule

Main Street Improvement Project Three Week Schedule*

Week of April 14th

• Complete the resetting of the curbing from Wheeler Street to Punchard Street.
• Pave the sidewalk with the Binder Course (i.e. the 1st layer of asphalt) from Wheeler Street to Punchard Street (both sides).
• Install Traffic Signal Conduit at Harding Street and Main Street and the Railroad Avenue and Main Street intersections.

Week of April 21st

• Install Traffic Signal Conduit at the Railroad Avenue and Main Street intersection and the Lewis Street and Main Street intersection.
• Excavate sidewalks from Harding to Pearson Street (East side).

Week of April 28th

• Remove and reset curbing Harding Street to Pearson Street (East side).

* This schedule is subject to change.

Construction Schedule for April 7th

The week of April 7th will include:

1. Additional drainage work to be completed at Sovereign Bank
2. Test pits will be dug at Harding to locate high pressure gas
3. Fire Hydrant to be replaced at 95 North Main Street
4. Preparation and construction along Main Street from Punchard to Wheeler to include excavation and reinstalling binder course for sidewalk
5. Traffic Signal underground tubing for wiring (conduit) will be installed at Harding, Main and Stevens Street, as well as additional preparation for new signals

Newport Construction and Massachusetts Highway Schedule as of March 17, 2008

The below schedule is revised. Utility issues were encountered and the schedule is behind 1 week.

Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 27, Drainage work will continue at Punchard Street and Main Street. Drainage work will move north towards Barnard Street and Elm Square over a two week period. The drainage work is deep and may encounter issues. The timing is dependent upon additional issues encountered as well as the weather.

The week of March 24, 2008 may include some water valves to be replaced. Additional notification will be given to abutters. New fire hydrants will be installed at 114-116 and 150-154 Main Street.

Main Street Project Informational Brochure (updated)

For a summary of the goals of this project and a picture of what the "look" of Elm Square will be, please see this informational brochure (pdf 368k).

Letter to abutters of the Main Street Improvement Project

This letter (pdf 132k), sent to abutters of the Main Street Improvement Project (residents, building owners and business owners), outlines various ways in which to get information regarding the Main Street Construction.

Updated April 2008.

Article in The Phillipian

"Main St. Still Undergoing Renovations, Local Businesses Likely to Feel Pinch"

Main Street Construction Update

The final phase of tree removal downtown will take place on March 10 – March 14.

On Monday, March 10th, drainage work will continue from Punchard Ave and Main north to Elm Square through March 19th. The work will be performed at each of the drainage catch basins.

New information

• During the week of March 17th, construction of the Traffic Signal underground conduits at Harding and Stevens will begin.
• March 19 and March 20th there will by Fire Hydrant replacements at 150 Main Street and 116 Main Street.

(NOTE: All of the above are pending weather)

Main Street Construction Schedule 2/25/08 through 3/7/08

Proposed Main Street Work Schedule* for this week:

• Monday - 2/25 - Contractor hopes to finish the Gutter Inlet that was started on Thursday.
• Tuesday- 2/26 - Prop Catch Basin across from Butler Bank. Will need to take 3-4 permitted parking spots.
• Wednesday 2/27 - Install New Catch Basin at corner of Essex and Central. About 9' off existing curbing.
• Thursday 2/28 - Install New Catch Basin on Central Street near Elm Square
• Friday 2/29 - Install New Catch Basin on Main Street in front of KAPS

Next week:

• Sunday-Monday – 2/3 and 3/3 – Sunday night Newport will replace a 10" Gate Valve near Chestnut and Main. Water will be shut off temporarily.
• Wednesday 3/5 – Install new fire hydrant close to 112 and 116 Main Street
• Thursday 3/6 – Install new fire hydrant close to 150 and 154 Main Street

The curbing replacement schedule will be created within the next two weeks.

*The schedule is always subject to change.

upcoming Drainage Work along Main Street

Commencing Tuesday, January 15, 2008 the contractor will be excavating test pits on Main Street to locate and confirm existing utilities. They will begin at the intersection of Punchard Street and Main Street and work their way to Elm Street. In order to have traffic flowing in two directions at all times, a few parking spaces may need to be taken during testing. The testing will occur only at existing drainage structures currently located along Main Street. The timeline will depend on what they find in any one location.

Public Information Meeting
Main Street Improvement Project

7:00 p.m. Wednesday
September 26, 2007
Memorial Hall Library
Andover

The Town of Andover has been anticipating a reconstruction project for downtown Andover for some time. The issues downtown include inefficient traffic flow, haphazard crosswalk locations, poor handicap accessibility, deteriorated sidewalks, substandard drainage, and insufficient streetscape amenities.

The Main Street Committee, comprised of ten residents including business owners, reviewed the project and outlined the benefits of the project:

Downtown will be easier to navigate for pedestrians of all ages and abilities;

• The crosswalks will provide visible and safer places for people to cross the street, especially at Elm Square;
• The signals will be synchronized to move traffic safely and efficiently through downtown;
• The signals will have walk buttons and audio signals;
• There will be new trees, park benches for seating, and attractive historic lighting in scale to the buildings; and
• The downtown will be attractive to patrons and provide for a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience.

In 2006 funding was secured by Massachusetts Highway Department, and the construction contract was awarded in July 2007.

Please attend the public informational meeting to hear more about the project, the timeline, and the future improvements of downtown Andover!

Feedback

If you would like to send feedback about the project to the Town Planner, Lisa Schwarz, please use the form below:

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