LYNNFIELD — With Town Meeting now in the rear view mirror and its budget in place, the Department of Public Works’ focus has turned to an unprecedented $1.2 million road and sidewalk repair project.
“The Select Board has been very clear that road repair is a priority,” said Town Administrator Rob Dolan. “For the second year in a row more than $1 million has been appropriated for road repair in Lynnfield, with the $1.2 million in fiscal year 2024 being the largest investment ever for Lynnfield.”
Twelve streets are slated for complete resurfacing or reconstruction, which includes milling. In addition, a total of $135,000 is allocated for sidewalks and ramps. DPW Director John Tomasz said sidewalks will be evaluated to determine if complete replacement is necessary.
“We try to do everything, but will sometimes do sections if they are in good shape, as opposed to soup-to-nuts,” Tomasz said.
The largest project is Pine Street, a side road off Main Street, that is scheduled for a complete repair at a cost of $164,200.
Fletcher Road, which is located off Summer Street, is slated for complete repair at a cost of $162,100.
A complete repair is also scheduled for Edward Avenue (N) at a cost of $149,300 and Edward Avenue (S) at a cost of $69,600. Tomasz said the work on Edward Avenue won’t begin until completion of the Lynnfield Center Water District’s lead pipe replacement project, which is currently underway.
“We have to wait on that because they just don’t know how much they have to replace until they actually dig it up,” Tomasz said. “It could be 10 feet, it could be 20, or it could be 60, they just don’t know.”
Other streets scheduled for complete repair are Coleman Avenue ($14,900), Dale Road ($11,300), Lee Road ($13,100), Meadow Lane ($31,200), October Lane ($12,700), Sigmund Street ($15,000), Timberhill Lane ($66,900), Timberhill Terrace from Timberhill Lane to the cul-de-sac ($12,000), and Wirthmore Lane ($49,900).
Also included in the project’s budget is an update of the pavement management system.
Tomasz said the contractor for the project is Melrose-based D&R Paving.
He said there are numerous factors the department considers when determining which roads are “good candidates” for resurfacing or reconstruction. Those include condition of existing gas and water utilities, drainage, level of traffic, cost of repairs, condition of curbing and sidewalks, pavement defects, type of repair that is needed, and estimated life of the road.
Tomasz said some of the planned projects may extend beyond the current construction year depending on certain circumstances.
“This is due to factors which may include coordination with utilities, drainage repairs, and other repairs that may extend timelines for completion in order to properly address issues,” Tomasz said.
He added that the construction methods and cost estimates are preliminary and may change as field conditions dictate “due to the unknown nature of subservice conditions.”
“In the event of an unforeseen cost increase, it is possible that a certain project will be deferred until a future date,” Tomasz said.
He said work began on Monday, and will hopefully continue until completed later this year.
“We’ll try to do everything on the list, but it all depends on weather, money and the contractor,” Tomasz said.
