Main Street road construction winds down

The Memorial Day Parade route in New Milford will be ready for marching as construction work on the west side of Main Street is winding down this week.

"It will be the same route as always," Mayor Pat Murphy said Tuesday. "They're a week ahead of schedule and we'd always planned to have the work done in time for Memorial Day festivities and so as not to interfere with access to businesses after that date."

Business owner Lee Sun was glad to hear Main Street road work is scheduled for completion by May 25.

The west side of Main Street was opened over the weekend and through Tuesday, with short-term closure expected Wednesday and Thursday for the installation of raised- platform crosswalks.

Mrs. Sun, owner of Star Nails, was among Main Street business owners who experienced a major drop in business from May 4 through May 18 due to street construction.

"I'm glad to see the outcome," Mrs. Sun said. "I appreciate that they worked fast and got the street done. I'm hoping that business will pick up now. I appreciate the customers who've made it to the salon using the back parking lot entrance."

Public Works director Mike Zarba was pleased the contractor, Colonna Concrete & Asphalt Paving LLC, is completing the roadwork as scheduled.

"The last of the roadwork should be done this week," Mr. Zarba said Tuesday. "We've been working to have traffic interruptions done before Memorial Day weekend and Colonna is moving the project along quicker than anticipated."

Work began Monday on the installation of new concrete sidewalks across the Village Green, to connect with three new raised-platform crosswalks to be installed.

The raised crosswalks are designed to calm traffic speeds.

"They're a week ahead of schedule," Mayor Murphy said. "That's why they're pouring the concrete sidewalks across the Green this week.

"The reason we got this portion of the grant, is because we're making the area more handicap accessible."

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322