The city, in consultation with National Grid, established a dual-pronged approach to fixing County Street, which Mayor Ted Bettencourt labeled a “disaster zone” in the wake of a project undertaken by the utility.
The first phase of the project is set to begin on Sunday, Nov. 12, when National Grid contractors will begin paving the road surfaces they excavated to install new pipelines. Bettencourt said the city expects that work to last about a week and that it will smooth out the bumpiest and most treacherous portions of the street, allowing for better driving conditions and enabling safer and more effective snow-plow operations during the wintertime.
“I have received many calls about the poor condition of the road, and I certainly understand and agree with your frustration,” Bettencourt told residents in a robocall last week.
Then, in the spring, the city will repave the entire County Street corridor — from curb to curb. Money for that project has already been set aside, Bettencourt said.
“I want to thank the residents of County Street and the surrounding area for their patience during National Grid’s construction project. I know that it has not been easy,” he said. “I also want to thank all those who drive on County Street and have had to navigate some very bumpy and treacherous conditions these past few months. Help is on the way. Thank you.”
