HomeMy Public PortalAboutChandler Burnham Bridgham Road Neighborhood Informational LetterTOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (P) 617-972-6420
124 ORCHARD STREET (F) 617-972-6402
WATERTOWN MA 02472
Gerald S. Mee Jr.
Superintendent
DATE
NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS
RE: Chandler Street, Burnham Street, and Bridgham Avenue Reconstruction
Dear resident:
The Honorable Town Council approved a list of streets to be reconstructed as part of our 2019 Road Reconstruction
Program, including Chandler Street, Burnham Street, and Bridgham Avenue. We are sending you this letter to
provide some additional background and information related to the upcoming work.
What is the scope of work?
The work includes roadway reclamation, a process by which the surface and sub -surface of the road is ground up
and recycled to create a new "base" for the road. The base is then shaped, graded and compacted. The new
roadway surface is the placed on top of the base.
In addition to a new roadway surface, granite curbing and concrete sidewalk/aprons will be installed. As part of the
work, a new grass border will be provided that can also accommodate tree plantings. All sidewalk work will
comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
TYPICAL SECTION
r
2 FOOT MIN.
GRASS STRIP
GRANITE CURBING
ITVPF VA-41
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A concept plan is attached. The goal is to provide continuous sidewalks on Chandler Street. On Burnham Street, a
gap in the sidewalk must be provided due to a large oak tree that impedes the sidewalk. Minor curb adjustments are
anticipated on Bridgham Street to meet current ADA requirements.
What is the schedule for work?
The Town intends to select a contractor to perform the work this spring, in accordance with public bidding laws.
Work will be performed during the 2019 construction season (spring through fall 2019) and may also be completed
in spring 2020. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide detailed schedules at this time.
How will I be notified of the work?
The Town will provide door flyers at least 48-hours prior to the work beginning and updates at important
milestones. Any impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted. Due to the nature of the various phases of
work and scheduling of crews, there may be periods where work is not being performed.
What if I want to replace my water service or install a gas line?
The Town has already upgraded the water mains on the three streets and National Grid has upgraded its gas main.
Minor sewer or drain repairs may be performed prior to road reconstruction.
After the road is reconstructed, there is a five year moratorium on new excavations/digging in the road. We
strongly recommend that individuals make any desired utility improvements prior to our work. If you have a
question regarding your water or sewer service, please call the Water Department at 617-972-6420. Questions
regarding gas services should be directed to National Grid, at 1-800-732-3400.
Why Plant Trees?
• Trees cool the community by fighting the
heat island effect —they reduce high
temperatures created by pavement, cars
and buildings.
• Trees clean the air by making oxygen and
absorbing pollutants.
• Trees help prevent flooding by keeping
rain out of storm drain systems.
• Trees protect wildlife.
• Trees can give you privacy.
• Trees increase value to properties.
What about street trees?
The Town Tree Warden will evaluate the condition of existing street
trees and identify potential locations for new plantings. Any
removal of a non -hazardous street tree will require a tree hearing, in
accordance with the Public Shade Tree law, M.G.L. Chapter 87.
Please consider requesting a street tree in front of your property. To
report a concern about a street tree or request a new one, please
contact Chris Hayward, Tree Warden at 617-972-6420. A tree
planting request form is also attached.
Will my driveway, b�pacted?
Driveways within the work area have been inspected by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) for compliance
with the Town's Zoning Ordinance. A notice has been included with this mailing if your driveway opening
requires modification. A brochure summarizing residential driveway requirements is also attached with this letter.
If you wish to relocate, widen, or add a driveway, you must receive approval from the ZEO. Public Works will not
alter driveway openings without an approved plan from the ZEO. Public Works will coordinate work to the
maximum extent practicable, however we cannot change driveway openings once curbing is installed.
If you have any questions regarding driveway openings, please contact the ZEO at 617-972-6427.
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Will my prope1V be impacted?
The road, curb, and sidewalks will be located within the Town's right-of-way. The right-of-way is the portion of
land that is owned by the Town. The distance may vary, but is typically 40-feet, spanning from the back of
sidewalk on one side of the street to the back of sidewalk on the other. The Town may need access along your
frontage for the purpose of grading, loaming and landscaping the newly installed sidewalks.
For more information
Additional information about the Town's annual road reconstruction program, including photographs illustrating
the work, please visit the DPW web -site at: http://www.watertowndpw.org/191/Annual-Road-Program. If you
have any questions in regards to this notice or in regards to the paving project in general, feel free to contact us at
617-972-6420 or e-mail us at dpwdept(a�watertown-ma.gov.
Sincerely,
Gerald S. Mee, Jr.
Superintendent
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