East Mountain Road is one of several paving projects scheduled.
WESTFIELD – The city has launched efforts to improve motor vehicle travel along East Mountain Road, at least the worst section, with a promise to return next year in a effort to reconstruct the entire thoroughfare.
Lane Construction is scheduled to complete overlay on East Mountain Road, from Eastview Drive north to Route 202 this week, Department of Public Works Director James M. Mulvenna said.
Cost of the project is $277,000 which the city allocated from its Chapter 90, state road improvement funding, he said.
Ward 6 City Councilor Christopher M. Crean, who represents that area of the city, called East Mountain Road “a farm road with paving,” adding “Our goal remains to reconstruct the entire length, including drainage. This is just the beginning.”
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik announced Monday that work is scheduled to begin soon on Smith Avenue as part of his overall plan to address poor street conditions citywide.
Mulvenna said “This is not the entire road but at least we are addressing the worst part of it,” said Mulvenna. “The plan is to return again next year and try to finish the entire road. Hopefully more funding will be available then,” he said.
“We are trying to overlay this section and make it a smoother ride for residents and other motorists,” said Mulvenna.
Crean said the city plans to seek bonding for several road projects and return to East Mountain Road next year. “The work this week is an effort to get us through the winter,” he said.
According to Mulvenna, city officials considered a complete reconstruction of East Mountain road from Routes 10 and 202 to East Main Street in 1999 and 2000. “But, the cost estimate at that time was $2 million. It will probably be double that by now,” he said.
Lane Construction is doing the overlay project and is scheduled to move next week to Eastview Acres which includes Linda and Susan drives. “There are similar existing conditions that we will address in that neighborhood,” said Mulvenna.