Plympton Secures $1 Million Grant for Major Road Improvement Project

Route 106 to undergo comprehensive repaving, including milling and re-lining

PLYMPTON, MA - November 18 - The town of Plympton has received confirmation of a substantial grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to repave Route 106, a project estimated to cost close to $1 million.

Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte announced the news during a recent Board of Selectmen, stating, "We received confirmation from MassDOT that we've got a grant coming to repave 106. It's going to be a mill, a basin adjustment, repave and re-line, which will be pretty nice."

The comprehensive project will include milling the existing road surface, adjusting drainage basins, repaving, and re-lining the roadway. This extensive work is expected to significantly improve the condition and safety of Route 106.

While the exact amount of funding has not been determined, Firlotte expressed optimism about the project's scope. "I don't have any idea, but if they are milling and paving and basin adjustments, probably close to a million," he said.

The grant comes as welcome news for the town, potentially saving significant expenses in road maintenance. Firlotte added, "I'm waiting for the scope of work meeting to go over details on how much funding we are going to get for that."

In addition to the Route 106 project, Firlotte reported on other road improvements in the town. West Street and Parsonage Road have been recently paved, with West Street coming in under budget at $160,609.38, nearly $10,000 less than the original estimate.

Winnetuxet Road has also seen progress, with leveling completed and plans for a culvert replacement before spring. The road will receive its final topcoat in the spring.

The highway department is also preparing for winter maintenance. Firlotte mentioned that snow contracts for salt, sand, and liquid ice melt have been signed and returned. Eastern Minerals won the bid for salt, G. Lopes for sand, and Innovative Byproducts for liquid ice melt.

Plow contracts for snow plow subcontractors have been distributed and mostly returned, with the department looking to fill one plow driver position for the upcoming winter season.

In other town business, a controversy has arisen over a bright light at the Old Townhouse, sparking community debate. Residents near the building have complained about the light's intensity, leading to discussions about potential solutions.

Town Administrator Liz Dennehy presented three options to address the issue: "We can either do nothing and keep the same light, and we are the beneficiaries of having that illuminated at no cost to the town. Or if we want to get them involved, their only option would be to take it down."

The third option involves installing building-mounted lights that would shine downward and operate on a timer. This solution could potentially address neighbors' concerns while maintaining necessary illumination.

Board member Mark Russo expressed interest in finding a solution, stating, "I am interested in assuaging the neighbors' concern."

However, safety concerns were raised by member Dana Smith, who emphasized the importance of proper lighting at the nearby T-intersection. "My biggest concern, I know it's a big surprise, would be safety. I mean, if it's well lit, that's less accidents to me," he said.

The board decided to invite the concerned residents to the next meeting to discuss the issue further before making a decision.