BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — An informational meeting will be held Oct. 4 beginning at 5 p.m. to disseminate information about a proposed culvert replacement project. The meeting will be hosted by the village of Massena.

The project in question revolves around the potential replacement of a culvert on Center Street.

According to village officials, Greenman-Pedersen Inc. and state Department of Transportation Officials are working with the village to design the project, which should have a minimum service life of 50 years.

Officials say the culvert set to be replaced is structurally deficient and has been in need of replacement for some time.

Village officials say the public is encouraged to attend the meeting, with a public comment period scheduled to solicit feedback.

Department of Public Works Superintendent Marty Miller said the project requires a public hearing because of state DOT requirements. Once the public hearing is held, the project can begin to move forward.

“It’s a standard routine with projects like this,” Miller said.

Officials say the project could be put out for bid this year after the public hearing if all goes well. As part of the project, the culvert will be realigned to allow for better flow and will allow the new culvert to better line up with on Maple Street.

Miller said another consideration is the changes in traffic patterns during the project, something the village is consulting with the engineering firm on.

If patterns are changed, some two-way traffic may be used on Center Street to assist businesses during the construction phase.

For diners at Spanky’s restaurant, exiting onto Center Street will not be possible so traffic from the restaurant will have to be rerouted onto Main Street.

Officials say that could cause some congestion at the bridge but it is necessary to ensure the project can be completed.

Funding for the project comes from a nearly $1 million BRIDGE NY application approved in 2021.

Officials say the project is expected to cost around $900,000, however that is subject to change when bids are submitted.

If the project comes in over $1 million, the village will be on the hook for the difference, Miller said.