Work is resuming on construction projects mothballed during the months-long deep freeze that enveloped the Northwest Corner this winter, and another will get started soon.
Last Monday saw crews return to the state DOT’s massive project on Route 44 west of the village. Even though this week’s day-time temperatures only struggled up into the 30s, crews resumed work applying panels of stone veneer over the corrugated steel retaining wall.
The $37 million project, which began in April 2024, was originally expected to take five years, but the construction phase was shortened by two years and is now expected to be complete this September.
The project, which involves replacing old masonry walls to prevent washouts, stabilize the slopes above the highway and to improve drainage, is funded by 80 percent funded by the federal government, with the state providing 20 percent of the cost.
In addition, First Selectman Henry Tirrell reported that construction of the new fire house will resume this coming Monday, with construction of the building expected to be complete in November or December. The old fire house will be demolished after the fire department moves into its new quarters, with landscaping taking place in spring 2027.
Finally, the state DOT’s construction of a new bridge on Mountain Road between the town ball fields and Westside Road will begin in April. Detour signs will direct traffic to Westside Road from its intersection with Route 44 near Immaculate Conception Church and from Route 272.