Work on walkway begins in Beacon Falls

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BEACON FALLS — Work started Tuesday on a project to extend a downtown walkway along the Naugatuck River.

Dayton Construction Co. of Watertown began survey and prep work for the town’s Streetscape Enhancement Project, which will extend a walkway from the Depot Street Bridge south to the intersection of Route 42 and South Main Street.

A field meeting took place Wednesday, and cuts in the road were expected to begin on Thursday, First Selectman Susan Ann Cable said. The project may be completed by the end of the year, she said.

On Tuesday afternoon, orange barrels blocked off one lane of southbound traffic.

There will be temporary road closures during construction, said Ron Dagan, president of Luchs Consulting Engineers of Meriden, which performed the design work and will inspect construction.

Generally, one lane will be open, except for limited periods of time, Dagan said. At that time, southbound traffic will be put on the other side of the median, he said.

Cable said the state Department of Transportation’s original overall budget for the project was about $1.025 million.

Cable said $820,480 has been allocated in federal grant money for the project, with the town’s match at $205,120. Special capital funds will cover the town’s portion, she said.

The walkway by the bridge will have bricklike pavement, Dagan said. A brick pavement will be used for a lookout toward the river but will be different from the walkway, he said. He said trees will be planted and ornamental posts installed along the walkway.

The two southbound lanes will be reduced to one lane of traffic, and a new pedestrian crossing will be installed at the intersection of Route 42 and South Main Street, Dagan said.