By Ariel Z. Burch/ Staff Writer
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The Pleasant Street Bridge did not live up to its amiable name when tempers clashed over the long overdue road work. Prompted by numerous queries about the ongoing bridge closure, Rep. Geoff Hall brought together officials from the Massachusetts Highway Department (MassHighway) and Pan Am Railways to discuss their progress at the Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday night.
Officials from both sides said there is light at the end of the tunnel but did not offer any definitive dates.
"It is not just Westford that is affected by this crossing," said Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Romeo. "More locally, we have businesses down there that are suffering, in addition to great, great inconvenience to things like police and fire and also the residents who live down there," Romeo said.
Many residents voiced concerns like Cindy Lane's. "I see this as a delay tactic. It is more than just traffic. It is more than just the businesses that are there. You have now cut off another swimming hole that the kids use," Lane said.
The Forge Pond beach is only accessible from the Pleasant Street side, and residents said they are concerned that their families will not be able to easily use the beach this summer.
"This is something critical," Judy Culver said. "It is one of the most beautiful beaches in town," she said.
The bridge needs one more coat of pavement and sidewalk installation, said Michael Hartnett, district instruction engineer for MassHighway.
He said the biggest delay will be installation of gates at the railroad crossing. Extensive redesign of the crossing has already delayed the project.
"The design changes were all made with safety in mind," said Selectman Valerie Wormell.
"We are a couple months out," Hartnett said.
"It has been longer than everyone had hoped. It is a very complicated design," said David Fink, executive vice president of Pan Am Railways. He said materials will take a long time to be shipped and installation will then take about one month.
Selectman Bob Jefferies said one official should be appointed to coordinate the efforts of MassHighway and Pan Am Railways workers. Jefferies said this management is necessary to ensure expedited completion of the project.
