Council approves 2026 bonded paving list and authorizes DPW safety study at Route 125/Colby Street

The Rochester City Council on Aug. 5 approved the Department of Public Works' 2026 bonded paving list, granted a pavement-moratorium waiver for a property on Edgewood Lane and authorized a safety investigation at the Route 125/Colby Street intersection.
The council approved the bonded paving list presented by DPW, which includes Blue Hills Drive, Justin Lane, Stanley Pond Drive, Boulder Ave., Conifer Circle, Quarry Drive, Rockledge Road, Forest Park Drive, Hope Drive, Jefferson Street, Hillsdale Street, Pink Street and Whitehall Road.
Deputy Mayor Hammond said the committee recommended approval and the council voted to adopt the list by voice vote.
The council also approved a pavement-moratorium waiver for 0 Edward (Edgewood) Lane with a $5,000 pavement-restoration surety; staff said the five-year moratorium on new pavement was nearly up, making the waiver appropriate.
Separately, the council authorized the Department of Public Works to "proceed, within their existing budget, to investigate resetting the stop line on the Route 125 southbound turn lane to Colby Street." A staff representative said the change aims to reduce confusion and near misses caused by the intersection geometry. The investigation, negotiation with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and line painting were estimated to cost about $5,000.
Councilors discussed that the lane itself would not be moved but the stop line would be shifted a short distance; staff said NHDOT coordination is required because the intersection is state-controlled. The motions were approved by voice votes.