Government

Downtown sidewalk work to kick off Monday

State workers trimmed trees on Friday to prep for Monday's work on E. Main Street. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
State workers trimmed trees on Friday to prep for Monday’s work on E. Main Street. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Construction is expected to start Monday on Main Street as the State Department of Transportation begins installing four miles of new sidewalks along Route 25, through downtown Riverhead.

While state workers were cutting trees this week downtown, work is expected to start in earnest on Monday. Hours will generally be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., however officials said construction could also take place during off-peak hours to minimize effect on businesses.

According to the DOT, work will start on the north side of Route 25 and proceed east to west. Lanes will remain open, as will access to local businesses, and construction is expected to continue using shoulder and parking lanes. However parking will not be allowed on Main Street during certain stages of work.

The project is expected to cost $2.1 million, and will overhaul sidewalks from Griffing Avenue to the west, to Union Avenue to the east, in downtown Riverhead. Beyond that area, gaps of sidewalks will be paved along the road to create continuous sidewalks for a total of four miles in the area.

The state announced late last month that it had issued the contract for the work to New York Paving, Inc., and were in the process of determining a timeline for the work.

“This project will improve safety and help enhance access for pedestrians in downtown Riverhead,” Commissioner Joan McDonald said in a statement.

Residents can call 511 or visit www.511NY.org for up-to-date traffic and travel information. In addition, travel information can be obtained from the INFORM Transportation Management Center cameras at  www.INFORMNY.com and on their mobile phones devices at www.INFORMNY.mobi.