Full depth reconstruction is expected to begin for two roads later this year after town officials’ approval. The Board of Selectmen at its July 8 meeting approved forwarding the new design plan for West Road back to the state Small Town Economic Assistance Program for review so it can move forward with the rehabilitation of the road and put the project out to bid. The town initially planned with the $500,000 STEAP grant for a $2.2 million West Road rehabilitation project. Town officials were initially approved for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program and planned to make a LOTCIP application. However, state officials overseeing STEAP wouldn’t allow the transfer of funds to another road. The $2.2 million cost was due to plans to bring water and gas to the area. The denial to move funds from STEAP resulted in officials scaling back on the West Road project. The project, which includes the repair of all the drainage, will take place from Rimmon Hill Road to the Oxford town line. The work is expected to start in the fall and finish by the end of the year, Smith said.
