Update On Pepper Street Reconstruction In Monroe

**News Release Submitted by First Selectman Ken Kellogg**

Nov. 8, 2022

As I reported three months ago, due to concerns regarding the timely completion of the Pepper Street project, my office and the general contractor engaged in a series of meetings. As a result, and to my satisfaction, the general contractor committed significant resources to this project with the intention of substantial completion before the end of this calendar year. I am pleased to report significant progress has been achieved.

The general contractor indeed devoted substantial resources and completed all sections of the project within their control. This includes roughly 90% of the road reconfiguration, 100% installation of new drainage in the roadway, and the completion of the first course of pavement. The installation of the new box culvert at the Jockey Hollow intersection is scheduled to be completed this week and, upon completion, that intersection will then be returned to full width and paved. Additionally, the multiuse off-road trail has been cleared and graded.

While we anticipated some final work to be completed in the spring, two recent factors have contributed to this being more significant than planned:

• Eversource Gas is actively working to relocate a final section of a gas line, which impacts a section of Pepper Street near Commerce Drive. This work must be completed before our general contractor may finish the final grading in this one small, 500-foot section of the roadway. As many are aware, asphalt plants typically close in late fall. Furthermore, the final course of pavement must set within a very narrow temperature range. Rather than risk a compromised final course of pavement, the Town has decided to defer this work to the spring.
• The new traffic signal at Main Street cannot be installed until the span pole / traffic sensor has been received. CT-DOT recently changed their specifications for this equipment which, coupled with supply chain challenges, has impacted delivery.

The entire project area will be paved, full-width, and line-striped this fall. We are working to secure approval from CT-DOT for work to continue over the winter for various off-road activities, such as installation of the parapet walls on the culvert and some final off-road drainage work.

The project will be completed in the spring, including the final “punch list” of anticipated deferred items such as sidewalk ramps, installation of guiderail and fencing, curbs, driveway aprons, plantings, and completion of the trail.

**News Release Submitted by First Selectman Ken Kellogg**