The project also includes putting in dedicated bus stops, resurfacing the road and putting in bike lanes
AMHERST — The Main Street project that will put in new sidewalks with curb cuts to make Main Street accessible has begun and will continue into October or November, said Department of Public Works Superintendent Guilford B. Mooring.
The Sunderland-based Warner Bros. is doing the work that is being paid for in part with $375,000 in community development block grant money.
The work on Main from South East to South Whitney streets qualifies for the block grant spending because it addresses accessibility issues.
The project also includes putting in dedicated bus stops – the buses have to just pull to the side of the road now – resurfacing the road and putting in bike lanes, Mooring said.
The road will be widened by about 2 or 3 feet to accommodate the bike lanes.
Mooring said Main Street will remain open throughout the project.
In a press release providing more details, Town Engineer Jason O. Skeels said that roadway excavation is set to begin Monday with sidewalk excavation on Friday.
People will have driveway access, but there could be short delays, and construction equipment could temporarily block driveway or street access. Skeels suggested people take alternate routes if possible.
Mooring said the town will also be resurfacing a number of other roads as part of its annual resurfacing project. Those roads include Sunderland Road, Cherry Lane, Cottage Street, University Drive, a section of North Pleasant Street and South Pleasant Street.
He said the sewer extension work on Harkness Road that was expected to be done this year will be put off until next spring instead.
Town Meeting last November agreed to spend $4.2 million to extend the sewer line to Harkness Road and Amherst Woods, areas that were deemed in moderate need.