The Morning Sentinel

August 1

Projects set to finish in early September

By Scott Monroe smonroe@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

Two major park projects on both sides of the Kennebec River, connected by the Two Cent Bridge in Winslow and Waterville, are now shaping up to finish at about the same time.

In Winslow, work on a new walking trail initially had been slated to be finished by now, but recent project delays have pushed completion back to the first week of September. John Giroux, Winslow's public works director, said project changes are costing another $3,000, but the project is still expected to cost about $250,000 as planned.

In Waterville, a $263,000 walkway and plaza project at Head of Falls got under way earlier than its scheduled mid-July start date. Workers on site said Tuesday the project was running about a week ahead of schedule, which anticipated a mid-September finish.

Repairs to the Two Cent Bridge will also happen during that time and the walking bridge will reopen to pedestrians soon after the projects are done.

Giroux said the timing of both projects will work out well, enabling pedestrians to soon travel between the two communities more easily.

"We're looking forward to it," Giroux said. "It's going to be very nice."

The 1,000-foot-long paved trail in Winslow will go from Scott Park, beside the Town Office, down to Mill Road and the Two Cent Bridge. Most of the project's cost is covered by a federal grant, so both federal and state approval is needed for project changes.

The project has been pushed back by about 40 days because new blocks had to be ordered for a retaining wall along the path in Scott Park, to meet federal requirements, but it will make for "a better product," Giroux said.

Project officials also realized better drainage would be needed for Mill Road, so they obtained easements from the Kennebec River Development Authority to install a new underground pipe system. That put the project on hold for two weeks, until this week.

Giroux said despite the unexpected delays, the changes will make for a better project in the long run.

"The pipes would have drained on to the road surface, so pretty much all parties agreed that it could be improved with a small storm-drain pipe," Giroux said. "When people are using the road in late fall, early spring, there won't be as much ice build-up for people to slip and trip on. So, that eliminates future problems."

The changes will cost an extra $3,000, but "because our bids came in low to begin with, so we're actually at about budget," Giroux said.

In the next few weeks, workers should begin paving the path and installing benches, Giroux said.

Scott Monroe -- 861-9253

smonroe@centralmaine.com