At the last Board of Selectmen meeting, Eversource representatives presented a proposal for a “hybrid work shift” for their upcoming work on Greenwich Ave, from Grigg Street to Bruce Park/Railroad Ave.
The work requires a lane closure and the Selectmen serve as the town’s traffic authority.
The project involves digging 41 test pits – 2 ft x 2 ft each – using heavy machinery including an excavator and a vacuum truck to locate existing utilities under Greenwich Ave in advance of phase 2 which is installing a new duct bank.
Eversource originally hoped to expand an existing manhole, but determined it was too congested with wires.
At a previous meeting Eversource project manager Bob Handler described the proposed work as “loud.”
On April 10, Eversource representatives said after the March 31 meeting they notified all businesses and residents in that stretch.
Matt Wright with Watkins Strategies said he distributed 119 door hangers with letters and had individual conversations with residents and business owners including his contact number.
“I got no push back. Everyone was very friendly and understanding,” he said.
Previously, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin asked if the two phases of the proposed work would overlap with outdoor dining season, which the Selectmen previously approved to run from May 23 through October 19.
“You may get some pushback from the restaurants on that,” Camillo said. “But they’re not going to be serving food at 10:30 at night.”
Hybrid Work Shift Schedule
The new schedule is for three nights and two days as follows:
• 10:00pm to 10:00am Monday to Wednesday
• 7:00am to 5:00pm Thursday to Friday
“I think this is being well received, shows compromise and you’re spreading the misery,” Camillo joked.
Previously, the project application proposed to do all the work in the overnight hours, but the Selectmen declined to vote in order to give time to create a compromise and for residents and businesses to give feedback.
Last year, when Aquarion asked for an extension of night work on Greenwich Avenue, residents complained to the Selectmen about unbearable noise and lights at night.
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The Selectmen voted in favor of the request for temporary road closure from Grigg Street to Bruce Park Ave for test pits.
The start date for the work will reflect the issuance of permits. The test pit work is estimated to take 3-4 weeks to complete. Depending on what obstacles the test pits reveal, installing an electrical duct from Grigg to Railroad/Bruce Park Ave could take about six weeks.
The Selectmen asked for updates every two weeks.
Aquarion water main replacement night work getting started around 10:00pm on Greenwich Ave. March 14, 2024
See also:
Eversource Seeks Spring Lane Closure on Greenwich Ave; Night Work Will be “Loud”
March 11, 2025