2013 ushers in several projects for town of Ashford

ASHFORD — Cattaraugus County Director of Engineering Mark Burr updated the Ashford Town Board on several projects that are scheduled for next summer, during the board’s meeting held on Dec. 12.

Ashford Bridge No. 24, located on Thomas Corners Road, will need to be replaced. During construction, the road will be impassable and drivers will have to find alternate routes.

Ashford Bridge No. 53 on Edies Road, which has one lane, is also listed as a 2013 project. It will result in road closures, during the duration of the construction.

Burr said that a multi-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan is still a possibility for Depot Street and what is known as the Ashford Triangle. “These areas historically experience flood issues, therefore making it eligible for consideration of a future project,” he said. “This would be a federally-funded project; therefore, a lengthy and involved process.”

Should this project move forward, affected Ashford residents would be contacted, as the work is being engineered. Cattaraugus County officials have asked that the town inform them, regarding the plan of the water district updates, so they would not conflict, as work is being considered for Depot Street.

In other matters:

– Supervisor Chris Gerwitz said that the West Valley Demonstration Project’s decommissioning was planned, based on an initial budget that he said he believes should not have become an issue. As funding has recently been cut for the WVDP decommissioning, its completion may take longer than had been originally projected.

– An inspection must be done on the Fox Valley Road bridge project and paperwork must be completed, before final payment can be made to the town. Gerwitz said that some erosion has taken place on the south side of the project area, but that the replacement’s integrity should not be affected.

– The board recognized Ashford Highway employee Steve Schlagenhauf for his 30 years of employment with the town of Ashford.

– Board Member Beverly Hess said that a community member asked her to look into lowering the speed limit on Fox Valley Road, because a farm animal was recently hit by a car. She added that the situation has been investigated and “the sight distance appears sufficient.” She also mentioned her concerns with the weight limit on Dutch Hill Road.

The board’s organizational meeting will be held Jan. 2 and the regular board meeting will take place on Jan. 9. A book audit meeting will be held on Jan. 16. All meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.