By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Millennium Construction resumed work Monday on Walkable Olean 4 — South Union Street from State Street to Franchot Boulevard
The $3 million project will include a roundabout at Greene Street.
The state Department of Transportation reversed an earlier decision and will pave the project once it is completed. That is expected to save the city nearly $200,000.
Millennium did the work for walkable Olean 3 — East State Street from the State and Union roundabout to East Street — in 2024 and was the successful bidder for the South Union Street project last fall.
Last fall Millennium cleared trees from the east side of South Union Street and built new, wider sidewalks. Planting new trees is included in the project. The contractor has also marked utilities to be replaced during the project.
“Please use caution in the work zone and watch for work crews,” Mayor Bill Aiello said. “Traffic will be down to one lane at times and there will be sidewalk detours in place. It is recommended that motorists and pedestrians use alternate routes. We appreciate your patience as we undertake this project.”
THE CITY ALSO plans to start another project this week — inventorying lead water service lines in homes.
The city has partnered with General Dynamics Information and Technology to undertake the inventory which will; start on Wednesday and go through Saturday, according to an announcement from the mayor.
Homes from First Street to 21st Street will be surveyed by the contractors accompanied by a City of Olean representative. They will ask for access to inspect the service line at the water meter to determine if the line is made of lead. It should take 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
“The contractors will only ask to inspect the water service line at the point where it enters the home; it may be in the basement or utility closet,” Aiello said. “If residents are not at home, a notice will be left on the door, allowing residents to reschedule at their convenience.”
Aiello said, “The City Of Olean, as required by state and federal law, is working on a plan to replace all lead service lines as soon as possible and not later than 2037. The inventory will allow the City to properly fund this endeavor and apply for grants. We appreciate the help of our residents as we continue this project.”
Questions should be directed to the mayor’s office at (716) 376-5615 or Water and Sewer Superintendent Brad Camp at (716) 376-5659.
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