image courtesy of Google Maps
EAST HARDWICK – The Town of Hardwick recently sent a letter and email to East Hardwick residents advising them of its interest in learning what the impacts are of the School Street closure between Vt. Rt. 16 and the Mini Mart Drive at D&L Beverage.
In a process similar to the one that preceded Hardwick’s contract with Verdantas for engineering reviews of Bridge 31 across the Lamoille River on East Main Street, before Greensboro Bend, the town has created a survey and is asking area residents who used that closed segment of the road to fill out a survey.
”Because this decision has long-term implications for the village, we are conducting a survey to better understand how the closure has affected travel, safety, accessibility, and movement within East Hardwick,” wrote the town.
Erosion along the Northwest edge of School Street following flooding of the Lamoille River in July 2023 took away half of the lane heading to the southwest in places, causing a safety issue that required closure, which will have continued for three years this July.
“We recognize that this change has affected daily routines, access, and travel patterns, and we appreciate the patience shown over the past three years,” said the letter and email from the town zoning office to residents.
It said, “No decision has been made.” As was the case with Bridge 31, the survey is the town’s first step in planning what steps to take next to evaluate long-term options.
Questions asked in the survey include how often the road was used before it was closed, what purposes it was used for, how often the detour affects travel and how much extra time it adds. Additional questions ask about positive and negative effects of the current road closure and whether the detour is more or less safe than before the closure.
Those filling out the survey can include an email address and phone number to be notified with updates.
The survey may be completed online at forms.gle/oQ6E2iT9trzMaAHk9, or paper copies can be picked up at the town office. Responses will be accepted until Friday, June 19, said the notice.
Questions and additional written comments may be directed to Hardwick Zoning and Floodplain Administrator / Resilience and Adaptation Coordinator Kristen Leahy via email to [email protected] or by phone to (802) 472-1686.
