 As Arlington's Summer Street rebuilding project plods toward conclusion, 189 people were present April 16 for the third annual public update, sponsored by the Summer Street Neighborhood Association.
Last October, YourArlington reported an early summer 2007 finish. Last July, a late-fall finish was thought possible. But the latest forecast has been pushed back again.
The most current link at MassHighway's Web site, dated April 4, projects an August 2008 completion, but the dates posted at this link in the past have proved moving targets.
In advance of Wednesday's meeting, Town Engineer Michael W. Rademacher provided these answers about the project:
Work on Summer Street resumed March 24 near McClennen Park, which was built over an old landfill at the former Reeds Brook. Because of that old landfill, workers are digging a trench to intercept gases produced by the decomposing material. In addition, drainage work in that area is underway.
Jeanne Leary, who heads the Summer Street neighborhood groups, said that parking spaces are being added in front of McClennen Park.
One factor that has delayed the project has been what has appeared to be confused coordination among utility companies. One factor has been moving poles, some of which remain in the street.
Asked when he expected poles to be moved, Rademacher wrote in a recent e-mail that the "the poles are owned by Verizon. The state is working with them to try and get the pole removed shortly."
Summer Street is a state, not a town, project, and overall responsibility lies with MassHighway.
Asked when he expected work from Park Avenue Extension to the Lexington line to be underway, Rademacher wrote that it is beginning now.
As to when he expected further surfacing of the whole length of Summer Street, he wrote: "Currently, final paving of the entire length of the project is planned for late August into September."
Leary said there is much more additional work being done this year that will be announced at the Wednesday meeting. Plans will be available for viewing at 6:15 that night in the school gym.
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