To the Editor:
In response to the letter regarding conditions along Mt. Lucas Road and the staging area at the end of Stuart Road East [“Wondering What Town is Doing About Mess on Mt. Lucas Road”], Princeton appreciates residents taking the time to share their concerns, and to reach out to us.
To keep the community informed on the status of the project, Princeton Engineering staff have been providing updates to residents in the area, particularly regarding the lack of visible progress this winter. The simple explanation is the weather. Much of the remaining work, including the placement of the final porous asphalt surface, is highly temperature dependent and cannot be done until temperatures are consistently and continuously above 40 degrees (including overnight). For durability and warranty reasons, our contractor cannot install porous asphalt until temperatures stabilize. This is standard industry practice and essential to ensuring the longterm performance of the pathway. With warmer conditions arriving, our contractor is scheduled to resume work next week. By April 1, we expect the pathway to be fully prepared for the final surface course, which will be installed as soon as temperatures reliably meet the required thresholds. While we cannot predict the exact date that will occur, we are ready to move forward as soon as conditions allow.
Regarding the staging area on Stuart Road East, the equipment and dumpster currently on site are part of the active project and will be removed once the remaining work is completed. We understand that construction areas can be disruptive, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we enter the final phase of the project.