Route 140 Project Update

This update was provide on 7/26/19:

Roadwork:

Starting today, existing pavement will be removed from the Keyes Brook Bridge heading north to the Princeton Fire Station on Rte. 140.  This includes the “roundabout” area and a small stretch down Rte. 31.  We are planning on working Saturday as well.

Over the next week, we will be placing gravel and grading this stretch with hopes to get the first 2 layers of Hot Mix Asphalt pavement down by the time the bridge is due to open.  Temporary traffic control devices will be used (drums, cones, signs) to alert the traffic but drivers that do come through that area, even though the bridge is closed, will be driving on a gravel surface and should be prepared for delays.

No promises for the following work but we may attempt to remove pavement, gravel, grade and pave the first layers of HMA from the southern end of the bridge to Leominster Road.  This area remains a fluid situation (with drainage still needing completion) but we might be able to pull it off during the shutdown.  Please don’t be taken off-guard if the major excavation and grading operation starts work in this zone.  Again, no promises but don’t be surprised if we attack this segment of the road.

Utility Work:

Drainage continues in the Village near the intersection of Rte. 140 and Gleason Road.  Approx. 300’ of pipe, 3 manholes and 5 catch basins remain to be installed there.  After the drainage in that section is complete, that crew will head down to the southern end of the job where approximately 8 more weeks of drainage work will continue.  The rock being encountered is causing slow progress and noise at times during drainage.

Third Party Utility Work:

We continue to support the efforts of the utility companies.  PMLD has been very impressive to work with in their responsiveness and timeliness.  It is refreshing to work with small, local, utility companies compared to our experience with the larger entities.

Charter has been on site this week and should completed their wire relocation work in the next few days.  Next comes Verizon who  needs to come in and move their wires onto the new poles.  After Verizon finishes, PMLD can remove the old poles.  Verizon has several weeks to do their work in the overall schedule.

Bridge Work:

Deck rebar is being placed and the deck should be poured early next week.  After that, there are approach slabs and moment slabs that need to be poured so this work continues 6 days per week.  Right now, we are still on schedule to open the bridge after the end of the 8 week shutdown.

We are providing this update but note that it is subject to change.  Construction can seem chaotic but there really is a method to the madness and we do try to limit the exposure to the traveling public.