Hamilton Street paving almost complete in Saugus

SAUGUS – It?s been a long and bumpy couple of years for residents on Hamilton Street, both figuratively and literally.But things are looking a lot smoother now that the main thoroughfare that connects Saugus and Lynn is finally paved over from end to end.?It kind of shows off the town a little bit,” said Department of Public Works Director Joe Attubato. “It looks great. I never thought I?d live to see the day.”The $1.3 million construction project started in 2009 and is now in its final stages as Attubato said all that is left to do is finish some of the sidewalks, paint lines and crosswalks and install signage.?Not only is it paved over, but there?s a new water main, new hydrants and a new gas main and the drainage is improved,” said Attubato, who estimated the entire project will wrap sometime in mid-August.One major concern for residents has been the new smooth road surface giving motorists a heavy foot and turning Hamilton Street into a speedway.There are currently posted speed limits of 25 and 30 mph on Hamilton Street, but the police department will have to set the speed limit, which will then go before the Board of Selectmen for approval. When that process is complete, speed limit signs will be posted along the roadway.