September rains do a number on Newfane roads

NEWFANE — Adams Hill Road “took a pretty good hit” in recent rains, particularly the lower section. That's according to Selectboard Vice-chairman Todd Lawley, delivering his road foreman report at the board meeting on Sept. 19.

Lawley explained that crews had been working on the road since Sept. 14, and that he is waiting for John Alexander and Mark Pickering of the Vermont Agency of Transportation to look at the area to see if state aid might be available to help stabilize some of the banks involved in the washout.

William Mundell Road took some flooding as well, but Lawley said the town could gravel it and it would be fine.

In other road news:

• Rain on the day before Labor Day didn't pose a problem - that's because, Lawley said, crews had been out cleaning culverts just before the two storms, and that effort paid off.

• Lawley said roadside mowing was complete, and the worker “did an excellent job. I have gotten many compliments on his job.”

• Daniels Construction provided the lowest bid, at $21,500, for replacing the wooden deck on Bridge No. 38, Baker Brook, and VTrans signaled that it would help via a structures grant, amount yet unknown.

• A contractor with Root Engineering will be by this week to look at Kenny Pond Dam. Lawley said he had three prices from the bridge contractors on a possible fix to the section under the town road., with Renaud Bros., Inc. the lowest at $3,200.

• Lane Construction began work on the South Wardsboro Road on Sept. 13. Lawley said he would like to see the town use all the paving money from the budget and the state grant money to help get caught up on pavement work.

He added he is getting prices on paving on Cross Street, Back Street, and paving around Jail Street.

“I'm not sure we would have enough money to do all three roads, but we could use the money on some of them. I would like the board to let me know so I can add it to Lane's work while they're already here,” he said.

• Finally, Lawley said his crew had just attended training on hazardous waste management and fuel storage in Townshend.

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