Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019 Roadway Reconstruction FAQs2019 Roadway Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions Will residents be notified before the contractor begins work? The town will notify residents prior to the contractor mobilizing to begin work. The Town will provide notices at least 48-hours prior to work beginning and updates at important milestones. Any impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted. Notices are provided using hang -tabs attached to front doors. What are work hours for the construction crew? Typical work hours will be 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday. Weekend work is not anticipated, but you will be notified if special conditions require weekend work. Can I park my car on the street? Unless there is a no parking sign posted, you may park your vehicle on the street as you would under normal circumstances. Will I lose access to my driveway during construction? There will be a period of time when your driveway will not be accessible (i.e. when the driveway apron is being constructed, during paving operations, etc.). The contractor will provide advanced notification of such times so that you will be able to exit the driveway before work is performed. Every effort will be made to minimize the impact to the regular use of your driveway. Will public services such as trash collection be completed during construction? The construction project is not anticipated to impact trash and recycling collection or yard waste pick up services. Why did they cut into my driveway or yard? As part of the project, grading of the roadway and sidewalk may change the elevation at the back of sidewalk. To maintain a smooth transition between the roadway, the driveway apron, and your driveway, a portion of the driveway may require reconstruction. This work will be constructed by the Contractor at no cost to the property owner. My yard has been damaged during construction. Who will repair the damage? You can report damage to DPW at dpwdept@watertown-ma.gov. The contractor takes detailed photos of the work area and adjacent property before construction begins. These pre -condition photos are used to determine if the contractor is responsible for damage. We recommend that you take photos of any areas of concern to document existing conditions as well. Please note: Repair of damage is typically completed at the end of the project. 2019 Roadway Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions I have not seen any work being completed for several days but the improvements do not appear to be completed. Has work stopped? No. The Contractor often is working on several streets at one time and certain tasks are performed by specialized crews. Depending on the project schedules, resources may be allocated to another street for a period of time. Why is the contractor cutting holes in the new asphalt? After an intermediate layer is placed, the contractor returns to raise utility valve boxes, catch basin grates, and manhole covers prior to final paving. I have a grass strip in front of my home now. Who is responsible for cutting the grass? The Contractor will loam and seed the grass strip as part of the project scope of work. Residents are required to maintain the grass strip. Are there any special requirements for care of the concrete sidewalk? We advise that residents use de-icing salt in moderation on concrete sidewalks, particularly during the first winter season and use a non -corrosive salt. Excessive use of de-icing salt may cause the concrete to not cure properly requiring replacement of concrete. I have an irrigation line that runs in the grass border/planting strip. Can it be protected? The Town will take steps necessary to protect irrigation within the planting strip if notified in advance of the location. Please note that the planting strip is considered Town property and the Town is not held liable for damaged irrigation lines that we are not aware of. I have special plantings in the grass border/planting strip. Can these be protected? Due to the construction techniques involved in constructing curb and sidewalk, we cannot protect plantings in the planting strip. We recommend you transplant any plants you cherish and replant them upon completion of the work, if desired. Can you plant a street tree in front of my property? Could you remove a street tree in front of my property? Please contact Chris Hayward, Tree Warden at 617-972-6420 or chayward@watertown-ma.gov to discuss issues related to street trees. Can you widen my driveway opening as part of the work? All driveway opening requests must be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Please contact Mike Mena at 617-972-6427 or mmena@watertown-ma.gov to discuss any requests. If approved, DPW is generally able to incorporate these requests into the work, provided enough notice to us is given. 2019 Roadway Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions Can you provide a landing/apron in front of my walkway? In general, we do not provide landings/aprons in front of walkways. Exceptions are made for disabled persons with handicapped placards. I have a reception/moving day/special event scheduled for a certain day. Can you stop work? We cannot stop work, but we do try to accommodate special needs, depending on work schedule and advanced notice provided. Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns? Contact Department of Public Works at 617-972-6420.