Route 28 improvements begin with building demolition
Story Created:
Feb 8, 2010 at 11:06 AM EST
Story Updated:
Feb 8, 2010 at 6:17 PM EST
WOODGATE, N.Y. (WKTV) - It'll be nice when it's over, it's just getting there that may be a bit painful for some businesses in the Adirondacks.
Improvements to a four mile stretch of Route 28 began on Monday with the demolition of four buildings.
Those buildings were the former home and business buildings of Jim and Bridget Matteson. The state acquired the structures from the Mattesons under eminent domain as part of the state's widening of the four-mile stretch of Route 28 from just north of Alder Creek to White Lake.
State Department of Transportation Regional Design Engineer Stephen Zywiak said the widening is being done for safety and because that stretch of road is just old and in need of repair.
"We are widening it out to eleven foot lanes, six foot shoulders," Zywiak said. "Right now, it's eleven foot, but in some cases, three foot shoulders, and they're deteriorated along the shoulder line."
The Mattesons expanded and built their current business, Matteson's Market, right up the road on Route 28 and they said they, like many others, are sad that thousands of trees will have to be taken down to widen the roadway.
Jim Matteson said the next step after the demolition of the buildings will be the relocation of power lines.
"The state has already taken and purchased land from us, but like I said, our future issues are with the power authority for new power lines that are now on the other side being moved to our side of the road," Matteson said.
The couple is also concerned that during the year and half of road construction, they will lose customers. However, Zywiak said the state will do its best to minimize any disruption.
"During construction, I think he'll be fine," Zywiak said. "Access will be provided, whether we're out in front of the place constructing. There will be some disruption, but minor."
How minor?
The Mattesons said they'll have to wait until the the project is over to find out.
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