Route 101 Project Kicks Off

Route 101 Project Kicks Off
Road to be closed for several days this week and next week
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

 
TEMPLETON  One of the main stretches into town will be getting a major overhaul this week, as Highway Superintendent Bud Chase said he is ready to reclaim and repave Route 101, also known as Gardner Road.

Because of the extensive work involved, Mr. Chase said the road will be closed to through traffic for much of Thursday, Friday and next Tuesday as the surface is milled, castings adjusted, and an overlay of new pavement put down. Crews will be working from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Commuters should seek alternate routes during those times.

“We’re encouraging people to use Route 2A during work hours,” Mr. Chase said.

The highway superintendent said he is trying to keep the disruption at a minimum and that traffic will be allowed to visit local businesses along that route through much of the construction. He also said the road will be kept open through Memorial Day weekend.

The project represents the second leg of the reconstruction of Gardner Road. Last year, Mr. Chase used $50,980 in Winter Recovery Funds, also known as “pothole money,” to repave from East Templeton Center down to Graves Concrete. That stretch was one of the worst in town and drivers were known to swerve into the oncoming lane to avoid the numerous cracks and potholes. While the new section is holding up well, the stretch from Graves Concrete to the town line has continued to degrade throughout the winter.

“This will complete the road for years to come,” he said.

The work will be funded jointly through this year’s Winter Recovery allotment and Chapter 90 road aid money. Another significant chunk of Chapter 90 funds will also go toward engineering a complete reconstruction of Royalston Road, although that project will likely not be completed for several years.