Brandon Builds! Even BETTER Brandon- Segment 6 Route 7 project
Traffic Lights!!
Have you heard anyone talking about them? What the heck let’s talk some more. There has been much frustration and confusion since the lights came online a couple weeks ago. Many of you talked with me and gave me insight to pass on to Casella and the lighting engineers. That truly has been helpful. The lights need to be on 24/7 for thirty days, per federal contract, to identify and work out the kinks and issues that arise with normal Brandon traffic flow.
Engineers are working on many of the concerns that were relayed to them. They’re adjusting the timing and adding informative signage to help with the flow. They are extending the left turn lane at Carver Street, when heading north, to include the left turn onto Union Street. Both turns will be accessible with the left turn arrow light. There will then be a separate north bound lane. New line painting will be done this Thursday to extend the left turn lane markings, increase the size of the stop bars, paint in the crosswalks and incorporate a right hand fog line. These will all make it a little easier for us to navigate more comfortably through the intersections.
Also the odd little “No left turn” sign in the north bound lane on Franklin Street sign will be removed.
I live on Carver Street and have our shop here in downtown and going through the lights, have had an average of 30-60 second waits and nothing more than two minutes. Pre-segment 6 we dealt with much worse, at the Whittaker and Bar Harbor Bank corners, AND they had much more dangerous and difficult sight lines. Someone reported seeing cars stuck in Hannafords & Riteaid because of the vehicles on Union, but they would also have been backed up at Whittaker’s and Bar Harbor Bank corners before any of this was done. Now when the signal turns all those vehicles will be able to go through the light, because the light will not change to red again until the camera sees that the lanes have been cleared. After the 30 day trial period, the town will have the ability to have the lights go to flashing during slower traffic times and active during our “rush hours”.
We’re all a little frustrated with the lights but they will go hand in hand with the pedestrian upgrades that this project is finally bringing to Brandon. I lived my whole life negotiating this asphalt jungle, with huge swaths of roadway and sidewalk and absolutely no delineation as to which was which, people passing on the right everywhere, no curbs or green spaces to provide safe walking and no green, attractive streetscape to entice travelers to stop and walk our classic little town.
So many locals and visitors are commenting on how nice it will be to wander through the village and sit and spend some time and, like the storm water and sewage upgrades, its one more example of how this project puts us so far ahead of the rest of Vermont. After five straight years of construction in and around the downtown I’m very proud of all of us, because, on the whole, the town has soldiered on, with the traffic delays and the traffic lights being the major talking points. Plans are being worked on over the winter to ameliorate the traffic issues as much as is possible for 2019.
So stay the course! It’s the holiday season, be patient, kind and thoughtful and please don’t be naughty.
A quick reminder, your current town manager, public works director and select board inherited this project that has been 30 years in the making. It was all adopted by the voters in town and they are doing their best to implement the plans while also tweaking it where possible.
We understand this is new and will take some time to get used to. We will attempt educate the public as we navigate our new downtown. Please continue to monitor the website for construction and traffic updates at: http://brandon.org/learn-about-segment-six/brandon-builds/
The concrete/asphalt sidewalks were removed starting at the alley by Bar Harbor bank all the way down to the alley by Li’s Chinese Restaurant. The area was dug down and then filled in with special soil to aid the growth and health of the trees that will be planted next year. Temporary pavement will be installed for the winter. Temporary pavement was also placed between the parking area and the sidewalk to allow easier pedestrian access to vehicles in the parking spaces. This will help provide safer and easier snow removal and sidewalk clearing for the town and businesses throughout the winter.
Permanent concrete sidewalks will be installed in the spring. Paving operations are weather dependent.
Click on the pictures for full size view. 
This donation was made possible by Nifty Thrifty’s many volunteers, donors and shoppers.
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The stone work is complete. The 3-beam rail in front of 4 Conant Sq. is up and the bridge rail, Texas along the park has been stripped of the form-work. Alpine poured the bridge rail over the arches today. FR Lafayette installed the black 2-beam rail that runs over the arches. The cast in place concrete curb along the new sidewalk deck is formed and will be poured next week. The last small piece of bridge rail along the park and two light pedestals will be poured next week as well. Alpine will continue to remove supplies from the park and town garage and weather depending may install a drainage structure and the associated pipe run at the south end of the park. The concrete jersey barriers will be shortened on the north end and moved toward the curb as winter shut down progresses. Grass seed will not be spread this late in the season but Alpine will mulch the open areas in the park as erosion control.
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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!
Casella Construction is Hiring-
Casella Construction, Inc. is hiring for many professional and craft positions for the 2018 and 2019 construction seasons, including a surveyor, construction foreman, heavy equipment mechanic, heavy equipment operators, pipe layers, skilled construction laborers, and general laborers. Casella Construction employees are hard-working, focused on safety, and driven to deliver excellent results. We are motivated by the strength and dedication of our team and by the intrinsic value of spending our days building for the next generation – we get to see the results of what we do every day.
We reward the hard work of our employees with a benefits package that includes competitive pay, health insurance, dental insurance, access to four supplement insurance options, six paid holidays each year, sick pay, and a 401k retirement investment with company match.
To learn more about our open positions and apply, visit www.CasellaInc.com or call 802-773-0052. Casella Construction, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
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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
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 2018 work on Center Street which will be primarily night work)The only time work may go past the 8:00pm shut down is if a problem or emergency situation is 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”
802-247-6401 (Chamber phone) 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.
BUY A BRICK TODAY BUY A BRICK TODAY BUY A BRICK TODAY BUY A BRICK TODAY
members draw your name! We’ll have a drawing every month until the Segment 6 project is done.
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REMEMBER-NO PHONES IN THE WORK ZONES!