Brandon Builds! Even BETTER Brandon- Segment 6 Route 7 project
ATTENTION DRIVERS!!!
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.
9/25/17 There will continue to be intermittent water shut offs for the next 3 weeks as Casella finishes installing the waterline on Carver Street, and individual water services are replaced or connected. Thanks to Ray Counter for the following helpful information below.
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 here.
–WATER MAIN WORK DURING CONSTRUCTION – FAQ–
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. 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 tub 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
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.
*Contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce with your questions, comments, and concerns.
*We hope you will stay current with us. Sign up here to receive Even BETTER Brandon e-newsletters.