Hamden Wraps Up Fall Sidewalk Improvement Program

From the town of Hamden Office of the Mayor: Mayor Curt Balzano Leng and Town Engineer, Mark Austin, are pleased to announce that the Town of Hamden has completed its sidewalk improvement program for the Fall 2016 Season. This season Hamden Officials adopted an improved approach to sidewalk repairs, updating the existing repair program with the goal of aggressively responding to and performing repairs for complaints which have existed for 5+ years; as well as working to be more responsive to repair needs that have a direct impact on constituent health and safety.

This new system has allowed the Town to reduce its sidewalk repair waiting list, with spot repairs that were formerly expected to take over a decade now slated to be performed within a plan to address entire streets in both a more efficient and more cost effective manner.

Approximately $600,000 worth of repairs have been completed since late August, comprising approximately 1.3 miles of repairs and improvements. A total of 28 streets were either completely repaired or received select “spot repairs” to designated areas. This is the most repair work to occur in one seasonal period in the history of the Town.

The Hamden Engineering Department expects to reprioritize and update the existing spot repair list and the current repair program throughout January and February. In March, new purchase orders will be extended to the contractors to perform spring sidewalk repair projects. With new funding expected, the Town anticipates an additional $500 – 650,000 worth of sidewalk repair work to be performed in the Spring and
Summer.

Throughout the 2016 season, the Town collaborated with a number of different contractors to perform various repairs and reconstruction. These contractors include Blue Ribbon, William M. Laydon Construction, and V & F Paving. The Town thanks these contractors for their excellent work and looks forward to continued partnerships in the future.

Commenting on Hamden’s 2016 sidewalk improvements, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng said, “Throughout the past year we have steadily shortened our sidewalk repair list by implementing smart repair practices, improving quality controls and focusing on areas which have been neglected for too long, have significant foot traffic, or have other special needs. Together with pedestrian safety efforts (of which there are more to come),
Hamden is working toward developing a “complete streets approach” which is at the forefront of progressive and effective local governments. Sidewalks allow for safe and comfortable travel in our neighborhoods and commercial areas, and I am very pleased with our progress so far. I look forward to many more improvements throughout 2017.”

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