Last quarter of Highway 395 reconstruction begins

Starting Tuesday, crews began the last quarter of work preparing Main Street for paving next spring.

The focus will be the southbound segment from Eddy Street to Waterloo Lane, including the S curve.

On Tuesday, workers were placing Jersey walls on the road along the route.

“Drivers will see lane reductions as crews return to complete final drainage, curb and gutter and conduit work,” State transportation spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said on Tuesday. “The majority of construction during the first months of the year will take place, weather dependent, on southbound Highway 395 between Mill Street and Waterloo Lane, with 24/7 single lane closures.”

Road crews took a break over Christmas and New Year holidays.

“In fall through mid-December, crews completed more than 75 percent of the roadside drainage and transportation conduit work needed for the future highway reconstruction,” Ragonese said.

Ragonese said she expects work to start on the $11 million paving in early spring when nearly two miles of 395 will be reconstructed and repaved between First Street and Waterloo.

“Drivers should anticipate shifting traffic control and 24-7 travel delays through the work zone as semi-permanent barriers are placed in work areas for driver and worker safety,” she said. “At least one lane in each direction and one access to each business will remain available during construction.”

Unless travelers have a destination in the work zone, the state is encouraging residents to find an alternate route around construction.

“Left-hand turns and travel across intersections will periodically be prohibited as intersections are reconstructed and new road surface placed,” she said. “Expect reduced speeds through the work zone and provide extra time to reach destinations.”

Construction scheduled could change due to inclement weather.

It has been 20 years since the last time that section of the highway was rebuilt.