Main Street square revitalization begins

Danielle Ryan

(3/20) The State Highway Administration (SHA) gave a special presentation on the upcoming Main Street square revitalization program, which is slated to begin in April, during the March Board of Commissioners meeting. AJ Romano Construction is the contractor for the $3.5 million project, which entails improvements from Creamery Road to Timbermill Run.

The project, in its entirety, includes an upgrade to the existing sidewalks and crosswalks (which will be brick), the reconstruction of parking on the square, the reconstruction of sidewalk ramps which will now be ADA compliant, a reconstruction of the curbs, gutters and the traffic signal, resurfacing the intersection, landscaping and street tree replacement. The project, when finished, will offer connectivity of sidewalks from the east point of Silo Hills Road to the west point of the town with ADA compliant sidewalks.

The Main Street intersection, MD 140 down to North Seton, will be closed for the repair/upgrade of the water line during at least one, potentially two weekends this year. One section of the water main will be upgraded to increase the water pressure to the north end of town, thereby requiring the square to be completely closed.

An official detour route has yet to be announced, but SHA representatives noted that residents would be made aware of the route in due time prior to the closure and they will coordinate with property owners to minimize the inconvenience and provide advance notice of any closings.

In addition to the intersection closure, residents should also expect temporary sidewalk closures and on-street parking restrictions while the project is underway.

As part of the landscaping, SHA will be removing the Bradford pears that line Main Street and will be replacing them with compact flowering trees such as Scarlet Oak, Rotundioba Sweetgum or Snowgoose Cherry.

Town staff and Commissioners are excited for the project to begin. Board of Commissioners President, Tim O’Donnell said "This is a huge step and enhancement for our community."

An official start date has yet to be announced, SHA only noted that construction would begin sometime in April.