HARTFORD – As part of its program to resolve long-standing flooding problems in the City of Hartford and to reduce combined sewer overflows to the Connecticut River, the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) next month will begin the Woodland Street Storm Drainage Project.

Beginning after Thanksgiving, Paganelli Construction Corp. of Suffield will begin installing approximately 1,200 feet of mainline storm sewer, new catch basins and storm laterals along Woodland Street, from Homestead Avenue to Albany Avenue. The project will include full pavement restoration, as well as incidental sidewalk and curbing replacement. The bid price was $1,442,605.

The installation of the storm drainage system will reduce the storm water to the sanitary sewerage system within the affected area of the city, and therefore alleviate current sewer backups and street flooding.

Initial work will begin in Woodland Street and Homestead Avenue intersection in November and continue until December 31, weather permitting, before shutting down for the winter. Final intersection work will resume in April, and continue along Woodland Street with the installation of new sewers and catch basins. The project is scheduled for completion in October 2003.

The work is being done in conjunction with the City of Hartford’s Woodland Street Reconstruction Project and Connecticut Department of Transportation Bridge Replacement Project over the railroad.

During the initial stage of the MDC’s project – from the project’s onset in November to shortly after the work resumes in the spring -- Homestead Avenue between Woodland Street and Albany Avenue will be temporarily closed to thru traffic to allow for construction in the intersection.  During this period all thru traffic should use established detour routes that include Albany Avenue, Sigourney Street, Asylum Avenue and Scarborough Street. After construction in the intersection, Homestead Avenue will be reopened to all thru traffic for the duration of the project with exception of Woodland Street.  Due to new sewer construction, one lane of traffic will be maintained to accommodate an alternating, two-way traffic between Homestead Avenue and Albany Avenue.

In spite of any traffic disruptions during construction, there will be continuous access to homes and businesses in the project area. The MDC appreciates the patience and cooperation of neighborhood residents and business during the project. Residents or businesspeople with any questions may contact the MDC’s project manager, Michael Curley, at 278-7850, ext. 3445.

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