DCR construction signs stir confusion in Nahant

NAHANT – The large flashing “seek alternate routes” signs at both ends of the Nahant Causeway generated a lot of guffaws from area residents when the signs went up.The signs were erected this week by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to alert residents to the Nahant Causeway reconstruction project, which is scheduled to get under way on June 10.The only problem is there is no alternate route – the Causeway is the only means of egress for the small seaside community, which is located on a peninsula.Selectman Richard Lombard suggested entrepreneurs come up with alternate routes.”Someone could buy a couple of ferries,” he said with a chuckle. “Then lease them to the DCR for the duration of the project. Maybe we could build a couple of helicopter pads at Bailey’s Hill.”On Tuesday afternoon, DCR Spokesman Catherine Williams said the agency would work with the contractor to change the wording of the large programmable signs.”The signs will be changed just to give people a heads up that work is going to start,” she said.Williams said the DCR has not recommended any alternate routes at this time and additional information would be forthcoming next week.Robert “Skip” Frary, a former selectman in town, said the DCR has done nothing to allay the concerns of Nahant residents about the project.”The DCR just doesn’t understand why Nahanters are so concerned about this project,” Frary said. “There is one way in and one way out of town but the DCR puts up a sign telling us to seek alternate routes. Some of us wonder if the people working on this project have ever set foot in Nahant. The DCR should be working to alleviate people’s fears.”