Despite hold ups caused by water main work on Main Street between Ivoryton and Centerbrook, town officials are optimistic that Centerbrook sidewalk work, part of the project to connect sidewalks from Ivoryton to the edge of the Connecticut River, can begin as of June 1 (the same time the Steam Train goes to operation seven days a week).

Dan Levesque of Martin Leviero Contractors explained at a May 10 Board of Selectmen meeting that once the work begins it should be finished within six to eight weeks. The plan is to begin at the Essex Steam Train area of Centerbrook and work toward Cumberland Farms. The hope is that the water main project, which is working in the same direction, will progress quickly and the two projects will not coincide with one another.

Local businesses are concerned about potential disruption. Colt Taylor, owner of The Essex and Los Charros, expressed concerned about the disruption these two projects are creating and will create for his business. He requested that all further work done in the area of his business be scheduled for Mondays, when possible, because the restaurants are closed on that day.

In addition, Earl Clark, who owns the building which houses the FTD business in Centerbrook, requested that prior to work being done by the town in the area of his building, that the FTD workers be notified so alternative parking arrangements can be made.

“Before we do any work, we will be knocking on doors letting the residents and businesses know what is happening and what to expect,” said First Selectman Norm Needleman.

“I am definitely on board with the plan,” said Taylor. “I know in the end it will beautify the area and help us all.”

If all goes as planned, ideally, the town sidewalk project work will be completed by Aug. 1.

The water main project, which is heading into Deep River and will end at the I-95 exit 4 ramp, should be finished in the Centerbrook area within the next few weeks. Some of the work is dependent on larger equipment being brought in to speed up that work. Once the entire water main project is complete, the road will be milled and repaved. That work is planned for sometime this fall.

Once the entire project is completed, there will be new five-foot-wide sidewalks from Cumberland Farms to the Essex Steam Train entrance, new lighting in that area, a new water main, and a newly milled and paved road. The majority of the dead and dying trees will have also been removed.