Sidewalk reconstruction along Main Street in Riverhead is set to begin on Monday, weather permitting, the State Department of Transportation announced in a press release Friday afternoon.
The $2.1 million project includes the installation of four miles of upgraded, continuous sidewalks with ramps and amenities in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act requirements. The project area encompasses Main Street from Union Avenue on the east to River Road on the west.
Deteriorated sidewalks will be replaced and sidewalks will be built where there are currently no sidewalks along West Main Street from Court Street to River Road.
New benches, trash receptacles and bike racks are also being provided, the DOT said.
New decorative lighting, purchased by Riverhead Town with a $30,000 Suffolk County grant, will also be installed.
In addition, dead or decayed trees are being removed and replaced and new porous ADA compliant pavement for the tree pits is being installed, the DOT said. “The aesthetically pleasing porous pavement allows water and nutrients to reach the trees as if they were planted in open soil,” according to the press release.
Construction will begin on the north side of E. Main Street and proceed east to west. Access to businesses will be maintained. No travel lanes will be closed during the day and construction will progress using the shoulder and parking lanes. No parking will be permitted along shorter sections of Main Street during certain stages of construction. Construction may take place during off-peak night time hours to minimize the impact on businesses.
Motorists are being alerted about construction operations via portable electronic road signs. Drivers who cannot use alternate routes are reminded to drive carefully through the work zone for their safety as well as the safety of the highway work crew. As with most road and bridge projects, this construction work may be cancelled, postponed, or prolonged due to inclement weather.
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