INTRO. NOTE: This is likely to be the last "bulletin" of this construction season. If you would like these informational bulletins to be resumed when construction resumes next spring, send an email to that effect to me at pbeckett@facstaff.wisc.edu. Thanks!

Since the last bulletin (No. 9) by Kurt Kiefer and me, slightly depressed in tone, there has been better progress, and while Wisconsin weather will (of course) have the final say, it looks like the fall's construction goals will be achieved before the heavy machinery goes into winter storage.

Our neighborhood has been very fortunate to have an extremely cooperative relationship with the Path construction supervising engineer, Aaron Palmer. Aaron has talked with many residents individually, and has been able to help with a number of concerns. He has been constantly forthcoming and frank with updates on the construction process, and on possible problems or delays. Aaron met on November 1 with the DMNA Rail to Trail committee and provided a very complete update on the Path. And in lieu of a construction meeting on November 9 Aaron wrote a similarly illuminating summary. The rest of this bulletin is drawn mainly from Aaron's reports, with only minor editing and shortening.

• The contractor has laid base course from the Capitol City trail all the way up to Glenway. This first layer that went in last Thursday and Friday was only about 4" thick. The next step is for the surveyors to pound a stake every 100' over this layer to the desired base course elevation. This is called "red tops", as opposed to "blue tops" for subgrade elevation. The next step will be for Wingra, the base course subcontractor, to bring in more gravel and finish grade the trail to the appropriate elevations and grade. This has occurred from the Capital City trail to the Beltline and is about 90% complete from Midvale to Odana.

• Recycled asphalt has been used for the base course on the first lift that went in. Subsequently, 3/4" crushed limestone (what is typically thought of as gravel) has been laid on top as the finish grading. This is easily identifiable by the difference in color between the two.

• The next step for south of the Beltline, from the junction with the Capital City Bike Trail to the Beltline bridge, is paving. This time of year everyone is scrambling to get things paved and thus the subcontractor for paving, Payne and Dolan, is extremely busy. Henshue Company says that Payne and Dolan will begin laying the asphalt paving as soon as they free up a crew.

• The Midvale crossing, which involved large-scale new drainage works, has been very time consuming. But work on Midvale is nearing completion. One lane has now been paved. The median now must be cleaned and landscaped, and the sidewalks must be constructed. At a minimum, traffic will be restored to normal by close of business, Friday the 17th of November.

• Closer to home, Odana is in about the same status as Midvale. Remington Electric must place electrical conduit across the road. The outside curbs and gutters and sidewalks must be constructed. We will have to let the concrete work sit about a week before we can mill (grind) off some of the asphalt and lay new asphalt back on it to match the curb and gutter.

• The Henshue Company (the main contractor) has started lowering the water main at the Virginia Terrace to Sheldon-Fox crossing. They need one good day of weather to finish. Since construction has begun, it has become apparent that a new addition to the drainage plan will be required in the area between the Virginia Terrace to Sheldon-Fox crossing and the underpass at Hillington. Neighbors there have noted increased washing of mud. A new pipe and inlet will be placed and connected to the existing storm sewer at Fox Avenue near the underpass. It will basically parallel the path of the gas main that was installed last summer. Tony Fernandez of City Engineering has scheduled a meeting with the neighbors in this area to explain the plan. Henshue will put this in as soon as they complete the water main work.

• Henshue still plans on getting a layer of base course down the entire path this year. That may not happen until things freeze up. The base course can be laid on frozen ground if necessary. Also, the paving south of the Beltline will be done even if the trail freezes first.

• Henshue has received the materials for reconstruction of the underpass bridge between Hillington Green and Fox Avenue. Construction is expected to begin soon. Once it starts, it will be necessary to close the underpass for at least a month. WE ASK NEIGHBORS' COOPERATION IN RESPECTING THIS CLOSURE, WHICH IS NECESSARY TO GET THE JOB DONE.

• It is expected that the several retaining walls required WILL be done this fall, but the schedule is uncertain. Aaron is checking with the subcontractor for these walls.

• Remington Electric is laying the electrical conduit along the path. As residents will recall, nighttime lighting will NOT be provided along our neighborhood, except as required at street intersections. However, it was agreed that conduit should be laid for possible future use.

As always, neighbors who wish to discuss special problems or questions can email (preferred) or phone Paul Beckett (pbeckett@facstaff.wisc.edu ) or Kurt Kiefer ( kkiefer@madison.k12.wi.us ).

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Last Modified: 03-Feb-08 05:53 PM

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