Update on Dodd Rd
Update on Dodd Road
At the November 13th Select Board meeting, Brian O’Rourke attended to discuss making a section of Dodd Road extending to his property accessible for logging. The minutes of that public meeting read as follows:
“Brain O’Rourke clarifies his request for repairs to Dodd Rd stem from his intent to log and build a home on his property, which is currently inaccessible under the current road conditions. He asks that once the road is repaired it will be properly maintained moving forward. He plans to build a few homes on Dodd Rd, which will be a great revenue source for the Town.”
Three options were considered for stabilizing this section of the road, and Brad Curry, DPW Superintendent, recommended the most economical approach: use gravel left over from the work on Rte. 57 to raise the road.
The road was not widened, nor were swales or ditches improved. Instead, our Heavy Equipment contractor used the material to raise the road and create a gap for runoff, which should provide better drainage. This section of the road is closed until the work settles and freezes hard.
Dodd Road Plans
The condition of Dodd Road from New Hartford Road to Sage Road is in need of major repair. Thus far, emergency repairs have not resulted in permanent improvements, and the cost of a total reconstruction is beyond the financial capacity of the town.
The town will apply for a MassWorks or STRAP grant. We are already in talks with MassDOT to make the application, which may also include Fox Road and other gravel road sections to be determined using our previously completed dirt road study as a priority guide.
We will keep the town informed of the progress of that grant application.
In the meantime, we will do our best to keep all our roads passable. Upgrading our 45 miles of gravel ways after years of deferred maintenance will take time to remedy, along with a lot of resources not currently at our disposal.
The Rest of Route 57
Route 57 from Lower West to Route 8 is scheduled for resurfacing next year.