Brandon Builds! Even BETTER Brandon- Segment 6 Route 7 project
Bernie Carr-Public Information Officer for Segment 6 project.
As of December 1st 2019 my position as PIO for the segment 6 road, infrastructure & streetscape construction project has come to an end. Any further contact and questions relating to the project should be directed to Town Manager Dave Atherton at 247-3635 ext-210.
I want to thank Casella, Dubois & King, the town management, the state and federal entities and the many sub-contractors with whom I had so much interaction! It was truly a learning experience and their professionalism and responsiveness was very much appreciated.
Most importantly, the residents of Brandon and the surrounding areas should be very proud of their ability to have coped with the massive intrusion that this project was on their daily lives and routines. Their patience, civility and support throughout made my job much easier.
For the business community, accessibility and the general mantra of avoiding Brandon, had a significant and burdensome impact on finances. Many thanks go out for their resolve to “keep their eye on the prize” and reap the benefits of the finished product. Their flexibility, patience and cooperation made the interaction with the contractors much more successful and contributed to the positive results we are now enjoying.
Along with many of you, I also had my home and business within the Segment 6 project limits. I feel this gave me the unique ability to empathize with the many large and small trials and tribulations that were encountered over the past 2 ½ years. Once again I thank you all and am so very proud of my town and my fellow Brandonites.
Bernie Carr
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WEST SEMINARY HILL INTERSECTION WITH RTE 7- While preparing the street for the boxcut and then paving, the base of Seminary Hill was found to have degraded cement and rebar. A hole was found through the concrete to the river. This is not a part of the original Segment 6, so monies and engineering needed to be arranged. Options for the area were presented to the board and they have authorized the monies. The match from the town is 20%.
Engineering for the selected plan now can move forward, with construction to follow in the early spring. Temporary improvements and paving will be done to widen the road and ease access for vehicles and facilitate winter plowing.
“Daryl Burlett, Brandon DPW head and Segment 6 project manager, and Town manager Dave Atherton accept a generous check from Nifty Thrifty board members Marie Bradbury, Barb Sprague, Lucy Rouse and Laura Peterson. The monies helped fund the rebuilding of Central Park’s Band Stand.”
This donation was made possible by Nifty Thrifty’s many volunteers, donors and shoppers.
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Click on the link below for a color rendition of the project that will allow you to zoom in on areas of interest.
Click here for Brandon Project with “zoomable” sections
Flaggers for the Segment 6 construction project have reported multiple close calls with drivers who were texting or talking on their phones. Besides being illegal, this is very dangerous!
Flaggers will note license plates and Brandon police will increase enforcement during the entire 3 year project. Unless hands-free, the fine for phone use while driving is $250.00 which is doubled in work zones to $500.00!! Please keep yourselves and the workers safe and stay off your phones in work zones!
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Brandon, Vermont is more than 250 years old. Let’s face it, at that age, everyone needs a little facelift! Over the next 2 1/2 years, our quintessential Vermont village will be looking at an improved streetscape, new traffic pattern, buried wires, better parking, beautiful parks, modern and safe downtown sidewalks, benches, decorative streetlights, and a 21st century underbelly.
The project that has the infamous tag line of “It won’t happen in my lifetime,” is actually here. So, what will it take to get there? Patience. Understanding. Pride. Collaboration. Energy. Inspiration.
The first part of our multi-year project was addressing some of the underbelly needs. During Tropical Storm Irene in August, 2011, 
some damage was done to the town’s waterlines. While we still have the best water in the State of Vermont, there were some underground problems. The 2014 Phase I portion of the project primarily addressed our waterlines. Most of the work took place in our backyards and in the Neshobe River. There was some Route 7 work. So a nice little chunk actually got done early!
The Chamber wanted to help make this as painless as possible and used it as a model for dealing with issues we’ll deal with during the larger Segment 6 construction starting now. We had good communication with all the parties involved and things went as smoothly as was possible.
And here we go! We look forward to working in the same way with the town officials, Dubois & King Engineering and Casella Construction as we go through this process in a way that is responsive to business and resident concerns, proceeds in a professional and efficient manner and maybe have some fun along the way!
Here is a copy of the brochure created to explain much of the project, process and schedule for the next two years. You can also find them in many, many businesses in and around the Brandon Forest Dale area.
Watch page three of the Brandon Pittsford Reporter for up to date info on the construction, and also promotions that the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brandon Alliance will be running throughout the project.
–WATER MAIN WORK DURING CONSTRUCTION – Info & FAQ–
After the large amount of waterline work that was done during the first months of the segment 6 project, we want to stress again the importance of flushing your waterlines via the bathtub or outdoor faucet. Some folks had issues arise that required repairs, hopefully this information will help you prevent these occurrences.
When water is turned off and on and digging and vibration occurs in the area, the decades old galvanized pipes that make up most of the service entries into our homes can have rust and dirt dislodged. This can cause problems with filters, ice makers, furnace apparatus and other things. When new municipal waterlines are installed, before they are hooked to the individual service entrances, they are flushed to clear any sediment that may have gotten into the line. The service entrance from the curb stop into the house is the responsibility of the homeowner. Therefore the need to be diligent in flushing the lines after shutdowns is imperative as the sediment is coming from your own pipes. This may help you avoid potentially costly repairs.
We STRONGLY urge you to sign up for our newsletters! Go to Brandonbuilds.com for more info containing project updates, schedules and pictures from Casella Construction and DuBois & King. Advanced notice on planned shutdowns & emergency situations will be issued there.
Thanks to Ray Counter for the following helpful information below.
What goes into a water main replacement project? Replacing a water main consists of several phases. In the first phase, the contractor will set up traffic control signs and barrels and may partially close the road. Around the same time, the contractor will also saw cut the pavement to make way for the new water main trench. Materials and supplies will also be delivered around the same time, and are typically placed in the curb area or in the greenspace in front of the sidewalk.
In the next phase, the contractor will begin actual construction by digging a trench and installing new pipe, valves, and hydrants. Each trench portion is back filled as soon as the new pipe is installed, allowing customers to access their driveways as soon as possible. The new water main is then pressure tested, chlorinated, flushed and bacteriological test performed. This process typically takes about two weeks to complete. Once the new water main has passed its testing, the homes and buildings are then connected onto the new pipe.
The final phase is street restoration work, where the contractor will place asphalt or concrete over the trench and open the street up to traffic. The contractor will also restore grass, sidewalk, and other disturbed areas at this time (weather permitting).
How will I be affected? Most projects will involve the closing of lanes or roads near the project location; there is a good chance that you will be affected by these closures. Apart from street closures, your water service may also be turned off as the contractor makes water pipe connections, and also as they install new water service tubing to your building.
Will I still be able to park in my driveway/parking lot? The contractor will likely close the road to through traffic as the work is being performed. However, you may still be able to drive into the work zone and access your driveway. The contractor will work with you to move equipment as needed should they be blocking your way. However, there may be a time as the contractor is working directly in front of your home or building where your driveway will not be accessible. Please be patient and plan ahead, and do not be afraid to talk to the contractor should they be in your way.
How much of the water service will be replaced? What portion of the service is my responsibility? The Fire District owns and maintains the water service from the water main in the street to the curb stop valve, which is typically located a few feet off of the sidewalk/property line. The Fire District will replace this section with new tubing and a new curb stop valve. The remaining portion of the service, from the curb stop valve to the meter in the building, is the responsibility of the property owner. The curb stop valve itself is the responsibility of the Fire District.
Will my water be shut off? Will I get notified before the water is shut off? There are three types of water outages. The first type will occur as the contractor makes connections between existing water mains and new water mains. This outage will last for approximately 4 to 6 hours. The Fire District will notify you 1 to 2 days prior to these shutdowns via door-to-door flyers and at times, via electronic newsletters/emails.
The second type will occur as each home’s water service tubing is reconnected to the new water main. This will happen to homes and buildings where the new water main crosses directly in front of the property. Expect to be out of water for between 60 and 90 minutes as this work is done. The contractor will knock on your door to notify you before they make the water service connection.
The third type will occur when a water main or service has ruptured and an immediate shutdown is required. This can occur during construction because of age of pipe, inaccurate mapping of the system or by accident. Critical customers will be notified before the water is shut off if the situation allows. Notification will be made to others when the situation is under control and an assessment has been made.
Do I need to do anything to ready my property for the water outages? It is a good idea to store some water and put it aside for drinking and flushing of toilets. You should also make sure to not have your dishwasher or clothes washer running as the water is to be shut off. Shut off your icemaker until you have flushed the water after it is turned back on. After your water is turned back on, you may notice some discolored water or air in the line. This can be remedied by running your water for 10 or 15 minutes immediately after the water is turned back on. The best places to flush is through an outside spigot or bathtub faucet. (Recommendations for emergencies are to store 1 gallon per person per day. Also, don’t forget your pets!)
What do I do if I have low water pressure when the water comes back on? First, unscrew the faucet screens and make sure they are not clogged. Sometimes, sediment from inside the building’s piping breaks loose when the water is turned off and on, and may clog these screens. If the screens are not clogged, and if the low water pressure problem is throughout your building, contact the Fire District at (802)247-3311.
What do I do if I have cloudy water after the water is turned back on? Flush cold water out of several faucets at the same time, letting the water run for 10 or 15 minutes.
If the water does not clear up, contact the Fire District at (802)247-3311. brandonfdno1@myfairpoint.net
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GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION Casella Construction Inc (CCI) Dubois & King (D&K)
As work continues on Brandon’s Segment 6 construction in our village, we’ve put together this information sheet to make you aware of what you might expect as construction takes place in and around your neighborhood. Work is allowed to start as early as 6:00am, but most often does not start until 6:30-7:00am, and may continue to 8:00pm at night. (This excludes 2019 work on Center Street which will be primarily night work) Work may go past the 8:00pm shut down if problems or emergency situations are encountered.
During construction operations you will encounter engine noise & back-up alarms from the machines, as well as flashing lights, headlights and free standing high intensity floodlights illuminating the work scene during dark hours. There will be loud noises from machines and materials being loaded and unloaded and you may have shaking of your house and objects within during some digging, installation of materials and compacting. Varying numbers of construction workers, flagmen and safety observers will be on scene.
Access to and from your home may be compromised during certain work activities, but CCI and D&K employees will always be on scene to assist you with safe options for coming and going. You will also be informed in a timely manner of any significant activity that may require you to make a change in your normal routine.
Normal traffic patterns in and around the construction zone may be altered, flagmen will always be on scene to assist with safe and timely traffic control.
We hope this information is helpful and answers some of the questions you may have as work proceeds with this important project. Your patience and support is appreciated and we are always available to answer questions or assist in rectifying any issues that may arise.
Thank you,
Bernie Carr-Public Information Officer-Route 7, Segment 6 Project-“Even BETTER Brandon”
247-3744 (Gift Shop) 236-8120 (cell) info@brandon.org
Town of Brandon, Brandon Fire District-Water Dept., Casella Construction, DuBois & King
Here are some links to images, project drawings and other information.
members draw your name! We’ll have a drawing every month until the Segment 6 project is done.
Winner #25- Kim Faber
Winner #26- Heather Best- Our second 2 time winner!!
We hope you will stay current with us. Sign up here to receive Even BETTER Brandon e-newsletters.
REMEMBER-NO PHONES IN THE WORK ZONES!