By Meghan Peterson, PhD.
Have you recently noticed those road markings and cuttings as you approach Tylerville? Just one of the indications that bringing clean water to the Tylerville area of Haddam is entering its next phase: water main installation.
According to Chris Corsa, Assistant Director of Public Works for Haddam, “[t]he goal is to begin installation on Monday, April 29.” He explains that the installation will begin at the Riverhouse and continue towards Route 154/Saybrook Road. Corsa continues, “[i]f [the crew] can maintain a good production rate,” this process “will take about 10 to 10 ½ weeks.”
In terms of logistics for residents, drivers, and business owners, Corsa describes how the “traffic will be coordinated through the use of State Police and contracted traffic control. Work hours and traffic control are dictated by the contract documents.” In basic terms, Corsa says that construction will take place 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, or “as required by the [State] DOT.” There will be no construction on Saturday, Sundays or holidays. Finally, the traffic pattern “will be alternating single lane” in the construction area.
Haddam-KillingworthNow contacted some Tylerville-area businesses on the upcoming construction. Lori Maggi, co-owner of Fireworks Hearth and Home, says, “Although I know traffic on Bridge Road will be inconvenienced for a short period of time it’ll be worth it. I am particularly excited and happy for those homeowners who will FINALLY have clean water that will be safe for consumption and bathing. I’d like to thank everyone who worked on making this happen, especially First Selectwoman Milardo who was able to push it into reality.”
First Selectwoman Lizz Milardo notes that the disruption will be kept to a minimum. “In the scheme of things, construction activity for 10 weeks brings us that much closer for families finally to have clean water – after decades of waiting. I also expect the lines to start to tie in by this August.”
