LEWISTON – A summer project to widen Russell Street is scheduled to move into a new phase after July 4, as crews begin milling and grinding the old pavement on the street.
City officials said they were pleased with the progress crews have made on the long-awaited project but said there’s a lot left to do.
“Based on the weather we’ve had these past few weeks, things are going relatively well,” Public Works Director Paul Boudreau said.
“It is a construction site, so there will be hindrances from time to time. But I’m comfortable, overall, with our progress.”
Plans call for widening the entire length of Russell Street, essentially adding a lane between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge and Robinson Gardens. A median will take up most of the new lane, except in front of the busiest intersections. The state is adding a dedicated turn lane there.
Crews began work in May by removing roadside trees in preparation for the work. They now are putting in new curbs, relocating utility lines and pipes and closing off the Wellman Street intersection
Wellman Street residents will be directed to Pettingill Street, now that the Russell Street entrance is being closed. Boudreau said the entrance had to be closed to reduce the number of curb cuts and other obstructions on the four-lane roadway.
“It’s all a part of the upgrade,” Boudreau said. “This is a busy road, and there will be more lanes for turning traffic to cross over. It’s just safer to take out one intersection.”
Crews are scheduled to begin removing the old pavement early in July. Then, they’ll begin building new medians and turning lanes.
Work on the road is scheduled throughout the summer.
Zac Sager, left, Zack Curtis, center, and Zach Lizotte add curbing at the corner of Russell and Wellman streets, permanently making Wellman Street a dead end in Lewiston.
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