Beacon Falls streetscape nearly complete

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A punch list of minor items remain before the state Department of Transportation will sign off on the streetscape project in downtown Beacon Falls. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
BEACON FALLS — A handful full of items on a punch list stand in the way of completion of the Streetscape Enhancement Project downtown.

A semi-final inspection was conducted on the project, an extended downtown walkway that runs from the Depot Street Bridge south to the intersection of Route 42 and South Main Street, July 20. First Selectman Gerard Smith said town and state officials looked over the streetscape. He said officials from the state Department of Transportation gave the town a list of minor items that need to be done before the state will officially sign off on the project.

Smith said the list is about half a dozen items, including fixing drainage issues, restriping the roads to clearly define traffic patterns, and fixing some signage. Once the work on the punch list is complete the state will double check and if DOT officials are satisfied the project will be handed over to the town.

Smith anticipated the project will be all set by Aug. 15.

The project was in the works for nearly a decade before it got underway last year. Town officials have reported that the DOT’s original overall budget for the project was about $1.025 million, with federal funds covering $820,480, and the town, $205,120.

The town needed $205,120 to start the project, but only had $190,000, town officials said. An additional $45,000 for the project was approved at referendum as part of $1.1 million 10-year, short-term loan. The extra $45,000 includes $15,000 for the shortfall and $30,000 to cover overruns.

Smith said the items on the punch list won’t need any additional money to be completed.

The Republican American contributed to this article.