Vernon’s Latest Sidewalk Improvement Project Begins Next Week
Work on a $400,000 project to improve pedestrian movement and safety in downtown Vernon is scheduled to begin next week. It is the latest step in an ongoing program using both local tax dollars and grant funds to improve sidewalks throughout Vernon.
The work scheduled to begin next week includes sidewalk and ramp improvements, additional crosswalk markings, driveway aprons and signs aimed at making pedestrian and bicycle travel easier, Vernon Town Engineer David Smith said. The work area will include West Main Street, Vernon Avenue, Linden Street, Court Street and Brooklyn Street.
“This is another important step forward in our ongoing sidewalk enhancement program designed to make our community safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians and people who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “We worked hard to obtain this grant and in combination with local tax dollars we have allocated and additional grants we are seeking, we will continue this improvement work on sidewalks throughout Vernon.”
The current phase of the project is funded through the Community Connectivity Grant Program administered by the state Department of Transportation.
“The Community Connectivity Grant Program came about to help towns improve ease of movement and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists through downtown certers,” Smith said. “We applied for this grant with the idea that downtown Rockville has a lot of people traveling through it and we wanted to make it safer and easier for people to get around.”
Sidewalk ramps required for Americans with Disability Act compliance will be modified or added, Smith said. Some sections of sidewalk will be replaced, he said.
Detour Construction, LLC of Ludlow, Mass. will perform the work, which was designed by Tighe & Bond of Shelton. Work is expected to be completed at the end of November.
Smith said no impact on traffic is expected as work progresses, although residents and business owners may need to assist the contractor by parking vehicles outside of active work areas.
For additional details, please visit Community Connectivity