On April 9, residents of Mechanic Street in Mattapoisett’s historic village were invited by Town Administrator Michael Gagne to meet with Jon Connell of Field Engineering and Mattapoisett Highway Surveyor Barry Denham.

This informal meeting gave residents an opportunity to air their questions and concerns regarding the roadway and infrastructure repairs slated to begin in the coming weeks. About 10 residents attended the gathering at Center School.

Most folks were primarily concerned with the length of time the construction would take, curb cuts and driveways, gas line replacement, and stormwater management.

When asked how the Town would be paying for the expensive improvements, Gagne reminded people that $400,000 was approved by Town Meeting, earmarked for such repairs, along with anticipated Chapter 90 funding arriving around July 1.

Two property owners, whose homes are located north of Hammond Street, asked why the plans did not include that section of Mechanic Street. When told that it came down to money and priorities, they exited the meeting appearing miffed.

Another resident wanted to know if trash collection would be disrupted during the construction phase. Connell said that notice would be given to alert residents to place their trash in the designated curb location for each collection cycle prior to construction, thereby minimizing any disruption.

But Connell also said, “There will be inconvenience,” reminding all that this type of work isn’t without hiccups.

On the theme of gas line upgrades, Denham told the townspeople that the work taking place on their private property by the gas company was between them and the gas company, not the Town and the gas company.

“We don’t have any control over where they locate the pipes on your property,” said Denham. However, Gagne said he would discuss reseeding lawns as promised by the utility.

Denham gave them the biggest wake-up call, however, when he announced federal regulations.

“Under current water management, MS4, we are supposed to identify and eliminate any private drains going into the sewer,” said Denham. “I must warn everyone that the Town may have to eliminate them in the future. It may be necessary.”

To this statement, Pat Donoghue asked, “Well, are you going to move the river then?” She said it was the river that caused basements to fill with water.

Further stormwater and drainage issues were discussed with Denham as he and Connell noted on maps where current public drains were located and the possibility of adding one or two more along the east side of Mechanic Street. However, with the placement of water mains, sewer mains, and gas lines he said, “There isn’t much real estate under the road.” Denham said of water, “It’s going to be a horror show no matter what we do.”

Continuing on the theme of water management Denham said, “I’ve dealt with problems in Mattapoisett for 50 years. As federal laws change, Mattapoisett may have to eliminate the private connections.”

Denham said the regulations take into consideration the possibility of freshwater and saltwater contamination from sump pumps that foul the water with fuel from heating oil tanks and washing machines.

Gagne said that the work would likely begin in about four to six weeks, once the bidding process is completed. Connell assured the residents that his team will be available to work closely with them to ensure as much collective cooperation as possible during their summer of construction noise, asphalt smells, dirty windows, and a new road with new sidewalks.

By Marilou Newell

Probably not until July – that is Mattapoisett Highway Surveyor Barry Denham’s estimate of when the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will complete its review process of the proposed reconstruction plans for the Tinkham Pond Bridget culvert on Acushnet Road that has been closed since October 2014.

Denham said it could be anywhere from a week to three months but conceded, “Who knows? It’s probably going to be further out on the three months than the week.”

Preparation work for the construction, said Denham, will only take a couple of days to complete, and the precast concrete culvert installation would only take about a day. Backfill, compacting, and roadway construction would follow the weeks after. That is not the issue though, Denham said. “It’s everything getting to that point.”

Field Engineering Project Manager Ken Motta accompanied Denham to present the plan for the project to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on April 14, giving selectmen a brief overview of the status of the project’s progression.

The current culvert has a span of 12 feet, and the project calls for a wider culvert of 20 feet. The blacktop area today is 19 feet wide, which will be expanded to 26 feet at the culvert. Denham mentioned the addition of a “four-foot strip on the south side,” and the addition of a sidewalk to the north.

“It will take a lot of that curve out of that area,” said Denham, making the way safer with guardrails at the brook. “It’s going to be a lot nicer setup than it is right now.”

The crucial aspect at this point is the Mass DOT approval. Then, said Denham, the plans could move ahead to the Conservation Commission for approval and the bidding process could begin.

Selectman Jordan Collyer pointed out that the structure was originally made of fieldstone years ago, and now the replacement of it “baffles the mind.”

“[Now it’s] going to cost two-thirds of a million dollars to replace,” said Collyer, adding on a sarcastic ‘thanks’ to the federal government’s stricter guidelines on this class of project.

But this was an emergency, said Denham, and this culvert absolutely must be replaced. Collyer wondered if the Town could contact Representative William Straus to help expedite the state approval process, citing the matter of great importance because the road is a vital link between Mattapoisett and the neighboring town, Acushnet.

“This is the time,” said Denham. “It needs to be done now.”

Denham said the design presented that evening is not necessarily the final draft of the plan, depending on Mass DOT’s approval conditions.

“We’re pretty confident that what Kenny’s got here on paper is what it’s going to look like,” said Denham, adding that he is not confident enough, however, to put the plan out to bid just yet.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for April 28 at 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Town Hall.

By Jean Perry