Selectmen think state should acknowledge problems with rebuilding road.

Byline: Shirley Barnes

TEMPLETON - Road problems continue to dog selectmen.

Board members reacted with irritation at their meeting Monday night when they learned about unresolved matters with the Dudley Road (Route 101) reconstruction. They expressed irritation that problems created during the construction are being turned over to the town for resolution.

Selectmen said the state Highway Department had the final say on acceptance of the project design that was paid for by the town. The state accepted the bid from ET&L Corp. of Stow for the construction of the road and supervised the project.

Since there was no local engineer or other official overseeing the work done by the construction company, which claimed it was following the design on all aspects of the work, selectmen said the state should be responsible for follow-up on construction problems.

But highway officials say they are satisfied with the project and are ready to sign off, leaving any remaining problems for the town to solve.

These problems include a crumbling rock face, created during construction, according to selectmen. Town officials fear that part of the hillside could break away in the winter and create a disaster.

Selectmen said an offer of concrete blocks to protect the road in case of a falling rock was not an acceptable solution.

John Henshaw, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, suggested that the Massachusetts Municipal Association be contacted to see if any other towns have had problems with construction supervision by the Highway Department.

Other problems

include some driveway issues and concerns about damage caused to privately owned wells since blasting for construction took place. The town is having wells tested, and some cases of increased bacterial count have been noted.

Selectman Dennis O'Brien said the state Highway Department should finish the top coat of paving on several roads on which base resurfacing has been done. Highway Superintendent Francis "Bud" Chase said there was no money for the top coat, and the dense binder coat is very durable and should be sufficient for the present.

Residents from the Shady Lane and Pail Factory area came to the selectmen's meeting with complaints of damaged cars and the possibility that school buses won't be able to drive safely over the roads because of deep potholes. These roads have been on the list for repair every year, but keep sliding back on the list and don't get done. Selectmen promised to try to move those roads forward on the repair list.

The building inspector told selectmen the salt shed could not be used because the gambrel roof is falling in and will not protect the salt and sand supply this winter. Selectmen will try to get a rebuilt salt shed on the Montachusett Regional Technical High School repair list.