Greetings neighbors and other interested persons!

Progress continues on the path project. For those of you who live nearby or have passed the project you will see that significant work has been accomplished at the Midvale Boulevard area. A major drainage improvement effort is underway. Elsewhere tree and brush clearing continues. Some areas will soon see retaining walls appear and earth being moved for leveling purposes. Read the details below.

Tree/Brush Removal

The tree and brush removal subcontractor should be across Midvale Boulevard by Wednesday, August 30. They should be working between Odana Road and Glenway the week of Labor Day. While an attempt is being made to move in succession along the path from south to north, certain project needs may require some clearing at spots further north (e.g., to clear around areas where retaining walls are needed.) The tree removal subcontractor may work on Saturdays (as well as M-F). All clearing should be done no later than the end of September.

City Forester Mike Martinelli walked the path with resident engineer Aaron Palmer to identify trees outside of the anticipated grading area that for safety and health reasons should be removed. Many of these trees are dead. Homeowners with specific questions about these trees should contact Martinelli in the Forester's Office.

SAFETY NOTE: The loud equipment makes it difficult to monitor approaching pedestrians. Neighbors are asked to remain as far away from the contractor as possible to avoid serious injury.

Retaining Walls

The path requires retaining walls for reinforcement and access points at several locations along its entire length. Specific spots include the Prospect Street crossing, Virginia Terrace, Harrison Street, and Breese Terrace. Work on these walls will begin during the second week of September. As was stated earlier, some limited tree and brush removal may precede any construction activity on these walls.

Approved Change Orders

The following change orders have been approved by the WisDOT office:

Commonwealth crossing - The turning radius at this crossing will be reduced resulting in less severe extensions into the right of way space. A meeting was held between the project staff and neighbors on August 17 at which this change was discussed.

Prospect Street crossing retaining walls - The walls have been redesigned to save a large tree on the south side of the crossing.

Lyndale berm - At the request of adjacent neighbors, an additional berm will be added to match one on the other side.

Street Reconstructions

Street reconstruction at Midvale, Odana, Glenway, and Commonwealth is about a month away. These tasks must be completed prior to the end of the construction season as part of the contract between the WisDot and the contractor.

Archeology Concerns

A state-approved archeologist will be contacted shortly, prior to construction, to identify mounds or other areas of historical concern.

General Construction Notes

Trucks delivering gravel to the path will begin their work south of the Beltline after Labor Day. Gravel is needed in some areas to provide a stable surface for other vehicles that must enter the construction area.

Some grading will begin in the Glenway area as early as the third week of September. This material will be taken to fill other low areas of the path further to the south. The project calls for as little removal of soil as possible along the entire path.

All construction work will be conducted Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY NOTE: The project engineer and the construction team are asking all neighbor's cooperation in avoiding areas where work is in progress. The heavy equipment is loud and makes it very difficult to hear persons who may be approaching those vehicles. The crews' focus is on their task which make sit difficult to be on the lookout for walkers, joggers or bikers. If you have questions or concerns telephone or e-mail one of the contact persons listed below.

Questions

If you have specific concerns or questions please attempt to contact one of the two neighborhood contact persons:

Paul Beckett 238-2580 pbeckett@facstaff.wisc.edu
Kurt Kiefer 233-8661 kkiefer@madison.k12.wi.us

If you want to contact the project's resident on-site engineer please call him at the project trailer telephone number listed below or e-mail him:

Aaron Palmer 218-1517 aaron.palmer@gasai.com

The success of the project is in part a function of how we as neighbors communicate with each other about the progress being made. Informed neighbors are (generally) happy neighbors. If you know of others who wish to be added to our path e-mailing list please let us know!

• Tree/brush clearing may start in the Odana to Glenway section today (Friday, Sept. 1). If not, it will be early next week.

• Grading and earth moving may begin in that section as early as next Wednesday (Sept. 6).

• Neighbors whose properties adjoin the stand of arbor vitae on the SOUTH (not north!) side of the tracks just east of Commonwealth have agreed that the trees (large, and very close to the former tracks) should come out. Those concerned with the project appreciate the neighbors' cooperative attitude.

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

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