Construction
Swing Bridge Construction Updates for Week of December 8, 2024
2024-12-08
December 8, 2024 brings important construction activities at the Haddam/East Haddam Swing Bridge. Let's take a closer look at the scheduled closures and other relevant information.

Stay Informed About Haddam/East Haddam Swing Bridge Construction

Overnight Bridge Closures

The contractor has meticulously planned overnight bridge closures for this week. On Monday night, from 12/9/24 to Tuesday morning, 12/10/24, the bridge will be closed from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Similarly, on Tuesday night, 12/10/24 to Wednesday morning, 12/11/24, the closure will occur from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. These closures are crucial for the ongoing construction work and require careful planning to minimize disruptions.During these overnight closures, local traffic patterns will be significantly affected. Residents and commuters in the area need to adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid being caught in the closures. The contractor is working diligently to ensure the safety of both workers and the public during these operations.

63-Hour Bridge Closure

A more extensive bridge closure is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. and will last until Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. This full bridge closure to all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians is a significant event that will have a major impact on the local transportation network.Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances may cause changes to this scheduled closure. In such cases, the public will be informed in a timely manner to ensure their safety and convenience. The contractor is closely monitoring the weather conditions and will make necessary adjustments to the closure schedule if needed.

Lane Closures on Route 82

From Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., single lane closures will occur on Route 82 within the project limits. Traffic flaggers will be on site to coordinate the alternating traffic sequence and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.Although there will be lane closures, both lanes will be reopened and operational during peak traffic hours. This allows commuters to continue their daily journeys with minimal disruption during the busiest times of the day. The lane closures are necessary to facilitate the construction work and ensure the safety of both workers and motorists.

Marine Advisory

Boaters are advised that as of December 1, 2024, the Swing Bridge will no longer open for tall recreational vessels. This change is due to the ongoing construction work and is expected to remain in effect until February 15, 2025. Mariners need to be aware of this restriction and plan their trips accordingly.In addition, the contractor's suspended scaffold, which was previously removed to provide additional clearance for vessels, has been reinstalled. This scaffold poses a potential hazard for vessels passing under the bridge. Mariners are advised to refer to the tide clearance board located on the bulkhead at Goodspeed. This board indicates the vertical clearance to the contractor's suspended scaffold and serves as a useful reference for gauging clearance at the time of passage.If mariners have any questions or concerns, they can reach the bridge operator at 860-218-4973. It is important to note that this phone number is designated for marine use only.

Text Alerts

Stay informed about bridge closures and re-openings, closure cancellations, and any emergency closures by signing up for Text Alerts. To opt in, simply text the word SWINGBRIDGE to 888777. Please be aware that message and data rates may apply.In addition to SMS messages, if you would like to receive Swing Bridge open/closed status notices via email or a voice call from Everbridge, you can click here to enter the required information. Again, message and data rates may apply. If you need help or want to opt out, reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
Grand Island's New Fire Station #3 Progressing Ahead of Schedule
2024-12-08
The new Fire Station #3 in Grand Island is truly making remarkable progress. It's ahead of schedule, which is a significant achievement. The $4.5 million project, approved by Mayor Roger Steele in February, is now showing visible signs of construction. Walls have already been erected, and the roof is set to be put on this Saturday. This new facility will offer much-needed additional space to house firefighters and will also include an extra ambulance station. Interestingly, it is located in the same place as the old facility. Once the new building is fully operational, the construction crews will shift their focus to tearing down the current Fire Station #3. This is an exciting time for Grand Island as they witness the transformation of their fire services. It shows the commitment and dedication of the local authorities towards providing better facilities and services. The new Fire Station #3 is not just a building; it's a symbol of safety and security for the community. It will ensure that the firefighters have the necessary space and resources to respond to emergencies effectively. With the addition of the ambulance station, it will also enhance the emergency response capabilities of the city. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this important project.

Witness the Rapid Construction of Grand Island's New Fire Station

Progress on Walls and Roof

The walls of the new Fire Station #3 have been completed, standing tall and sturdy. This is a major milestone in the construction process. The fact that they were able to erect the walls so quickly is a testament to the efficiency of the construction team. The roof, which is expected to be put on this Saturday, will complete the exterior structure of the building. It will provide protection from the elements and add to the overall aesthetic of the facility. The attention to detail in the construction is evident, and it gives residents confidence in the quality of the new fire station.

As the walls go up and the roof takes shape, it's clear that the project is on track. The construction crew has been working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place according to plan. This progress is not only beneficial for the firefighters but also for the entire community. A well-built fire station is essential for the safety and well-being of the residents, and this new facility is set to meet those needs.

Additional Space and Ambulance Station

The new Fire Station #3 will provide much-needed additional space for the firefighters. With more room, they will be able to store equipment more efficiently and have better access to resources during emergencies. This will lead to quicker response times and more effective firefighting operations. The inclusion of an additional ambulance station is a significant addition. It will allow for better coordination between the fire department and the ambulance service, ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention.

The extra space and ambulance station will also have a positive impact on the training and operations of the fire department. The firefighters will have more space to conduct drills and simulations, improving their skills and preparedness. The ambulance station will enable them to handle medical emergencies more efficiently, saving lives and reducing injuries. This integrated approach to fire and medical services is a step forward in ensuring the safety of the community.

Location and Demolition

The new fire station is located in the same place as the old facility, which is convenient for the firefighters and the community. It allows for a seamless transition and minimizes any disruption during the construction process. Once the new building is up and running, the construction crews will turn their attention to tearing down the current Fire Station #3. This is an important step in the redevelopment of the area and will make way for new developments in the future.

The demolition of the old fire station will be carried out carefully to ensure the safety of the workers and the surrounding area. It will be a bittersweet moment as the old building is removed, but it marks the beginning of a new era for Grand Island's fire services. The new Fire Station #3 will be a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the community for years to come.

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Santa Barbara to Begin San Andres Street Improvements on Monday
2024-12-08
Starting from Monday, the City of Santa Barbara is all set to embark on a series of significant improvements along San Andres Street. The aim is to enhance both safety and accessibility on this crucial thoroughfare. Officials have outlined a comprehensive plan that includes various aspects such as sidewalk repairs, intersection enhancements, and roadway repaving.

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility

Phase One: Sidewalk Repairs

The work in this phase will focus on the stretch of San Andres Street from Canon Perdido to Micheltorena Streets. Additionally, side streets like the 600 and 700 blocks of Sola and Anapamu Streets, as well as the 700 block of Victoria Street and Micheltorena Street, will also receive attention. These repairs are essential to ensure the safety and usability of the sidewalks for pedestrians. 1: The sidewalks in these areas have seen some wear and tear over the years. By conducting these repairs, the city aims to provide a more stable and comfortable walking surface. This will not only benefit pedestrians but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. 2: The repair work will involve addressing any cracks, uneven surfaces, or other issues that may pose a hazard to those using the sidewalks. It is a crucial step in making San Andres Street more accessible and inviting for everyone.

Phase Two: Intersection Safety Upgrades

At the intersections of Anapamu, Victoria, and Sola Streets on San Andres Street, several safety enhancements will be implemented. These include curb extensions to improve visibility and reduce crossing distances for pedestrians. Rapid flashing beacons will also be installed to alert drivers to the presence of people using crosswalks. Additionally, crosswalk lighting will be added to enhance safety during early mornings and evenings. 1: The curb extensions will create a more visible and defined area for pedestrians to cross the street. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and make it easier for pedestrians to navigate the intersections. 2: The rapid flashing beacons and crosswalk lighting are important safety features that will increase awareness among drivers and pedestrians alike. They will help ensure that everyone is aware of each other's presence and can move safely through the intersections.

Phase Three: Roadway Repaving and Lighting

This phase will involve roadway replacement, including street repaving and re-striping on San Andres Street from Canon Perdido to Micheltorena Streets and on Canon Perdido Street from Marilla Avenue to Wentworth Avenue. Midblock lighting will also be added on San Andres Street from Carrillo to Micheltorena Streets. 1: The roadway repaving will not only improve the appearance of the street but also provide a smoother and more durable surface for vehicles. This will enhance the driving experience and reduce the likelihood of pothole-related accidents. 2: The addition of midblock lighting will provide better visibility along the entire length of San Andres Street. This will be especially beneficial during the evening and early morning hours when visibility may be limited.Officials report that the construction is expected to be completed by March 2025. The project is funded through the Measure A Safe Routes to School Program Grant, a Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant for intersection upgrades, and Measure C funds for sidewalk repairs and street repaving.For more information about the safety enhancements, community members can visit the city’s Westside and Lower West Neighborhoods Transportation Management Plan webpage.
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