Final stage of Saugus street construction project kicks off

The final stages of the Hamilton Street construction project will begin on today as the Saugus Department of Public Works starts preparations for resurfacing the road.Construction on the main road that connects Saugus Center to Lynn began in 2009. The reconstruction of the street and the installation of granite curbs, water mains and gas mains was completed during the fall and winter as residents had to deal with road closures and detours.But Public Works Director Joe Attubato said traffic will be open on Hamilton Street, albeit with some congestion.”There will be through traffic, but expect some delays,” said Attubato. “Final resurfacing will be done by the end of June, weather permitting. There will be police out there to direct traffic. You have to expect that with a big job like this.”Once resurfacing is completed, all that will be left is minor aesthetic and safety additions, he said.I’m sure there will be signs that will go up like ‘slow’ and ‘miles per hour’ signs,” said Attubato. “There’s a brand new street there, a brand new water main and also new gas mains, the whole nine yards. There will be handicap ramps along the way, trees planted and sidewalks updated.”Marie Breton lives on the corner of Hilltop and Hamilton avenues and said she’s looking forward to seeing the street completely finished, especially since a raised manhole cover sits right outside her house.”It would be nice,” said Breton. “But I hope they finish it better than they’ve been leaving it.””That sewer thing is dangerous and they don’t put enough cones down,” added Breton, as she pointed to the manhole cover flanked by two orange cones.Bob Anderson, who lives on Burrill Street and Hamilton Avenue, said having his front door open up to a construction zone for the last two years has been “brutal,” and so far things haven’t gotten much better.”Last year was horrible all summer long,” said Anderson. “This year is starting out the same way. They don’t seem to be doing it fast enough. I don’t know why.”But even though Anderson said he’ll be happy once construction is complete, there’s still another issue that needs to be resolved.”I’ll be happy then,” said Anderson. “The only trouble once it’s finished is it’s going to be a speedway. But there’s not much you can do.”