Tuesday, March 30, 2010

This story had to be cut from the April 1 edition of The Chronicle:

All Roads Closed Beginning April 1

CHATHAM --- All roads leading in and out of town will be closed beginning today, April 1, as the town’s sewer project ramps up to full speed.
Dozens of work crews are expected to be digging up all major roadways and numerous back roads beginning at 6 a.m. and continuing until 6 p.m., seven days a week, through Memorial Day.
Town officials say they want to complete the first phase of the town’s sewer expansion project by the end of May to take advantage of favorable interest rates and to forestall further challenges to the validity of the project (see story, page 1). If crews can meet the deadline and keep up the pace after Labor Day, the 20-year sewer project could be completed in time for the town’s 300th anniversary celebration in 2012.
Officials said the extent of the work will not allow detours, since just about every major roadway will be dug up and impassable. Ferry service between Old Mill Boatyard and Harwich was being arranged, as well as helicopter airlifts from Chatham Airport.
Spokespersons for Chatham Village Market and Chatham Natural Foods said they had hired dozens of bicycle couriers to deliver food to customers. Local restaurants were planning to work with Meals on Wheels to provide dinners on demand.
Some residents may be confined to their homes during installation of grinder pumps.
For further information about this story, see the date on today’s paper.