NVCOG approves LOTS program cost changes and three local projects in Beacon Falls and Waterbury

The NVCOG board approved several Local Transportation and Streets (LOTS) program items: a construction overage for Beacon Valley Road in Beacon Falls, a cost increase for the Lakewood Road sidewalk project in Waterbury, and the addition of a new complete‑streets LOTS project on South Main and North Main streets in Waterbury.

Staff said the Beacon Valley Road project had been completed but that slope erosion between the road and Beacon Hill Brook required stabilization. The stabilization work used contingency funds during construction; staff reported stabilization costs of roughly $100,000 plus about $30,000 in incidental items and presented an overage request of about $136,300. TTEC had endorsed the overage at its previous meeting; the board approved the overage by voice vote after a motion from a municipal representative.

For Lakewood Road in Waterbury, staff said the corridor will receive continuous sidewalks on the north side where there are gaps or poor pavement. The construction estimate increased from $1,970,000 to about $3,230,000, driven by District 4 signal upgrade requirements at the Lakewood/Wilkett intersection and inflation during a protracted design period. The board approved the revised cost after a motion and second recorded (motion by Middlebury; second by Shelton).

The board also adopted a new LOTS complete streets project estimated at about $3,050,000 to continue exchange‑place reconstruction work on South Main and North Main around the Green. Staff said this project continues Exchange Place Part 1 and follows work already underway for Exchange Place Part 2. TTEC had recommended the new LOTS project; the board approved it by voice vote (motion by Shelton; second by Middlebury).

Staff also provided an informational update on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program updates and said NVCOG is preparing new DBE participation goals and a public comment period as required every three years; that DBE item requires no board action at this meeting.