Based on conversations with the contractor today, the bridge remains on schedule.

Today they finished pouring the final sections of the side rails (the Texas Rail).  All 14 sections are now poured and curing.

Later this week the plan calls for NSTAR to install the three permanent utility poles on the upstream (SE) side of Pelham Island Road, two to the NE and one to the SW.  After they are installed, NSTAR can move its distribution lines to the new poles.  Then Comcast, Verizon, and the Wayland Fire Dept. can move their cables and wires back to the SE side of the road where they were before this project.

On Monday of next week the contractor will finish removing the remaining forms from the Texas Rail, and over the next couple of days the construction crew will clean up the concrete facing, plug work holes, and smooth out any surface imperfections. Over the next two to three weeks they will finish grading the road and will install the 12 support brackets for the two pipes on the outside face of the bridge on the downstream (NW) side.  They will then move the water main and National Grid will move the gas transmission line to those new brackets.  This will be the permanent home for the two pipes.  Once the cables and wires are moved to the new utility poles, the contractor will demolish the temporary utility bridge.  That work and the first stages of road paving should begin mid-November and be finished before the end of the month if the weather holds up and the utility companies keep to the schedule.  Final paving will then follow, if not by late November, then in early December — again, if the weather stays cooperative.

That will leave the filling of the areas at the four corners of the bridge with gravel to original grade, the installation of guard rails along Pelham Island Road near the bridge, landscaping, and site cleanup.  If possible, that will be done in December – or in the spring if necessary.

Submitted by Chief Irving
Written by Gary Slep