FREEPORT

Freeport Town Engineer Albert Presgraves and Public Works Superintendent Earl Gibson led an informal talk and presentation Wednesday evening concerning upcoming work to be started on Main, Park and Middle streets.

The focus of the work to begin and last through much of September will involve drainage improvements, catch basin work, resurfacing and particularly rebuilding a 350-foot section of Park Street the town has deemed beyond simple repair.

Presgraves began by quelling any fears of sidewalks being installed on Main Street, saying there was no interest either from the public or the town council to pursue such a project.

The rest of the paving work will be staggered and should only cause minor traffic disruptions, Gibson said, noting that Main Street may go down to one lane for short periods of time.

A first layer of new pavement will be laid and allowed to rest over the winter, according to Gibson. Gibson said that will give the town a chance to see if anything has settled over the winter, requiring further attention before a final coat.

The final smooth coat of pavement is not yet scheduled, according to Presgraves. However, he said it is likely to be sometime next August and is currently seen as a 60- to 75-day project.

Main Street will also be brought to a uniform 23-feetwide. Presgraves said the street currently wanders within six inches one way or the other. Curbs installed will be in the current, sloped style with a 3-degree crown in the street to allow for better drainage.

Presgraves and Gibson said any work on catch basins in which residents have their own discharge pipe leading in from their property will still include the resident’s line in any restoration — reminding residents as well that only clean water is allowed to flow into the catch basins and residents will be responsible for any pollutants or detergents flowing in.

Gibson also assured people that the affect on their own property will be minimal and residents will be kept informed of any changes. He said there is one tree on Park Street that will have to be removed and he has already discussed the matter with the homeowner.

Noise issues were questioned and Gibson assured residents that by town ordinance, construction cannot begin any earlier than 7 a.m. and that the work crews, due to extensive setup, will probably not begin work until closer to 7:30 a.m.

Gibson encouraged any residents to call his office if crews did not respect work times or for any other concerns they may have along the way regarding the project or their property.

Freeport fix

THE FOCUS OF THE work to begin and last through much of September will involve drainage improvements, catch basin work, resurfacing and particularly rebuilding a 350- foot section of Park Street that Freeport officials have deemed beyond simple repair.

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