Wilson bridge work still on time

Problems on each side of the Wilson Street bridge demolition have cropped up, but so far they haven't pushed back the project's timeline.

Plans to take out the sidewalk on the east side of the Batavia bridge were complicated when contractors discovered that part of the facade at the One East Wilson building, which is right next to the river, is supported by the sidewalk.

The building itself is supported by the foundation, but a newer facade addition must be supported as sidewalk work is done, said bridge liaison Terry Heffron.

When contractors pour the new sidewalk, they will look for an additional support system for the facade, he said.

Also, rocky soil on the west side of the bridge caused contractors to change their plans for a temporary wall to hold back soil near Batavia Creamery. Instead of sheet pilings, as they did with the coffer dam, they had to use H beams instead.

Neither problem should delay the finishing of the bridge, as contractors are working on other aspects right now, Heffron said. Contractually, they must have it done by Dec. 14, or face daily fines.

This week, turns onto northbound River Street from Wilson will be prohibited from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, as workers extend a water main and sewer from west to east across the street. Workers will also install micropiles on the east side of the bridge in preparation for building the bridge abutments, and finish up the forming and steel work for pouring the pier on the west side.

Kirk Road-Route 38

This week the contractor will complete the median work and pavement in the intersection. Keep an eye out for lane changes, as the turn lanes have been modified to allow the paving work.

Eastbound Route 38 will be restricted to one lane, but westbound will have two, except during occasional closures for median work.

Kirk will continue to be restricted to one lane in each direction.

The really good, long-awaited news: Weather permitting, all lanes will be open on both Kirk and Route 38 by Oct. 15. The workers will then just need occasional daytime lane closures to finish up miscellaneous tasks all over the job site.

Randall and Route 64

Closer, closer, almost there: The contractor will wrap up landscaping and tree planting in the medians in the center of Randall this week. Landscaping along the sides of Randall and Route 64 is under way. Occasional daytime lane closures will be needed on Randall for the median work.

Asphalt paving should start today on Randall, Route 64 and Dean Street, and take about a week. Construction officials ask that you watch for trucks entering and leaving the construction zone.

Fabyan School site

Those of you who use Grengs Lane near where they are building the elementary school: From 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Grengs will be closed for asphalt patching in the spot where they did water main work last week.

Kirk and Route 56

The temporary pavement widening continues, and they are still moving storm sewers (they expect to be done with that in about two weeks.)