On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, the Town of Millbury's Department of Public Works / Highway Department's subcontractor, J.H. Lynch & Sons, Inc., has begun laying down the base layer of asphalt onto the gravel base. They began on the lower part of Captain Peter Simpson Road and will be working their way through our neighborhood of Rice Road, Thomas Hill Road, Aldrich Avenue, and Captain Peter Simpson Road. More layers will follow and structures will have to be raised above the base layer so they will be flush with the finished layer of asphalt.

On behalf the of the Town of Millbury's Department of Public Works / Highway Department, J.H. Lynch & Sons, Inc. has done a good job of paying attention to all the details. One example is opening the spillways down to the brook which should provide for better drainage of the road surface and reduce icing conditions in winter months. Another is that they have tried to make Rice Road a more consistent width rather than the variable width that it has been.

The Millbury Department of Public Works / Highway Department are waiting for the utility companies to relocate the utility pole and fire hydrant at the intersections of Rice Road and South Main Street to begin the reconfiguration into a more standard T intersection and eliminate the out only part of Rice Road as it blended into South Main Street.

There has been a lot of positive feedback about the work being performed and the gratitude from our neighborhood.

What Everyone Should Consider

1. Everyone should avoid parking on or close to the road until all the work has been completed, as not to impede the subcontractor's work and to avoid potential damage to vehicles.

2. Drive with extreme care, caution, and reduced speed.

3. The road surface may have oil type products that rise to the surface, so the roads may be slippery for a while especially during rainy weather conditions.

4. Please keep pets from roaming or interacting with the work crews, as the pavement may be extremely hot.

5. Please keep curious children supervised if near the road, as the pavement may be extremely hot.

Everyone's cooperation would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Town of Millbury's Department of Public Works / Highway Department.

Please advise your neighbors, in case they may not be aware.