North Branford Road Work Continues with Concerns at NBFD Co. 1

The Route 80 construction has been an ongoing headache for many North Branford residents, but Fire Chief William Seward told the Town Council that there are “life safety” risks regarding the construction occurring in front of North Branford Fire Department Company #1.

“We’ve had at least two incidents where a late response has been caused by the construction,” said Seward at the June 18 meeting. “We know there will be additional issues with more construction.”

Not only is the construction causing issues as far as the volunteers reaching the firehouse and then reaching the call, but with the upcoming work in front of Company 1, several pieces of apparatus will have to be relocated, either to different companies and most likely a temporary structure provided by the construction company for the ladder truck – a 52-foot, dual-axle vehicle that requires a wide turning radius to exit its bay.

“Company 1 responds to about 60 percent of all calls and we need to be sure apparatus can move freely 24/7,” said Seward.

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Other Roadwork on the Horizon

In addition to the Route 80 work, Town Engineer Kurt Weiss updated the Town Council on other upcoming projects and tentative dates, noting that the Chidsey Drive project should be nearly complete.

One of the next phases of the Route 139 at Valley Road construction will involve a three-day closing of Valley Road in order for “significant filling.” Weiss said the work is tentatively scheduled for July 10.

The milling and paving of Route 80 is expected to take place between July 15 and July 23. While the aim is to maintain two lanes of traffic, there may be areas that will be alternating one-way traffic. The DOT will post signage as the date approaches.

Looking at future construction projects, the DOT is aiming to replace the bridge on Route 80 over the Farm River, tentatively during the 2015 construction season.