Construction ahead
IN THE CITY
by Dana Fowler
Many drivers are probably wondering what is happening to the south end of Main Street this year. Last year this end of Main Street underwent some construction to prepare it for a paving project that is going to take place this summer.
The Presque Isle Water District and the Presque Isle Sewer District installed new underground pipes for water and sanitary sewer last year. That work ensured that any pavement installed this year would not have to be cut into to perform any repairs on aging pipes.
Other preliminary work done last year on the south end of downtown included the replacement of utility poles and setting them farther back from the curb line. This work involved Maine Public Service, FairPoint telephone, and Time Warner Cable. The poles were relocated farther from the curb at the request of the city to allow us a more efficient manner of snow removal in the winter. Poles set near the curb end up being obstacles for snow removal equipment.
All of the utility work mentioned previously was a first step for the paving work that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be doing this summer. MDOT has a requirement known as a moratorium that prohibits any disturbance of new pavement for a period of five years unless it is an emergency. Therefore all of the preparatory utility work was completed last year so as to not disturb the new pavement that will be laid down this year.
You may have noticed in the last couple of weeks that there is more activity in the area of south Main Street. Work is being done so that manhole covers, catch basin inlets, and valve shutoffs can be adjusted to match the finished grade when the paving is complete. MDOT will also be resetting some of the granite curb that needs to be raised up.
In the next few weeks, MDOT will be using a large rotomilling machine to grind off the existing pavement. Soon after the milling is done, MDOT will place new asphalt pavement. The new pavement will run on Main Street from the University of Maine campus to the intersection of Chapman Street. The city will be installing a new paved sidewalk on the west side of Main Street as part of this project.
Main Street is not the only major project being done by MDOT this year in Presque Isle. MDOT will also be using the same “mill and fill” type of process in two other areas. Industrial Street, starting at Buck’s Market, and following Mechanic Street to the 5-way intersection and continuing east on State Street over the bridge and railroad tracks to the Main Street intersection is another of their paving projects. The other mill and fill project will be on the end of the State Road between the Skyway Street intersection and the Parsons Street Connector.
You may have experienced traffic delays, particularly last year, during the construction activity. Please be assured that everything possible is being done to coordinate all of the work and to minimize any inconvenience for motor vehicles. Our hope is that any temporary delays you may have encountered will be distant memories as you enjoy many years of smooth driving on these new paved surfaces.
Although MDOT might not toot their own horn on these projects, it is worth noting that asphalt paving is a very expensive endeavor. All levels of government, including the state and the city, have limited funds to maintain their highway infrastructure. The projects mentioned will alone total nearly $1.4 million just for the work that MDOT is doing. We can all be grateful that MDOT has made such a significant investment in our community.
Dana H. Fowler, P.E., is public services director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 760-2707 or via e-mail at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
