HARDWICK — Town staff and Hardwick Downtown Partnership (HDP) staff have been working with area businesses to help employees, customers and travelers adjust to the construction happening along S. Main St. in Hardwick’s downtown.
courtesy photo
At a meeting March 25, Hardwick Town Manager David Upson shared plans for the pedestrian bridge and retaining wall project. HDP President Shari Cornish, Administrative Coordinator Heidi Krantz and board members Nancy Durand, Tracy Martin and Ella Price brainstormed parking options with business owners Claudia Gohl, Naomi Ranz-Schleifer, Nikki Phelps Robarge and Sandy Scott.
Those attending the meeting were interested in the construction timeline. Cornish, who also serves on the select board said downtown businesses were open for business as usual.
She later worked with Upson to create a construction timeline with public posts on social media and a sign for the work area.
“Big things are taking shape in downtown Hardwick,” wrote HDP in a Facebook post.
“We’re sharing a timeline for the retaining wall and pedestrian bridge construction so you can stay in the loop every step of the way.”
For the remainder of April concrete footings will be poured, followed by additional excavation and the installation of shoring. During May steel and cement supports for the bridge abutments will be installed, followed by excavation, installation of supports and prep for more footings, In June and July more footings will be poured and work will begin to form and pour concrete for walls and abutments. Late July will bring backfilling and the installation of stone fill.
If all goes well, and construction stays on schedule, the new bridge will be assembled beginning August 3 and installed August 7. Remaining backfilling and stone fill will continue through September 18 along with electrical work for the lighted bridge and completion of landscaping.
The timeline calls for the last of the work on the retaining wall and pedestrian bridge projects to be completed October 14.
“We know projects like this take patience, but they’re all about building a stronger, safer, and more connected downtown for everyone,” said HDP. “Thanks for sticking with us!”
Visit hardwickdowntown.org and click the Facebook link for more detail about the construction project. Businesses may contact HDP to learn about parking options.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
