NORWICH RECEIVES 10 BIDS FOR FRANKLIN SQUARE ROUNDABOUT PROJECT

Norwich — The city received 10 bids ranging from $538,899 to $1.2 million Wednesday for the plan to convert the Franklin Square intersection of Main and Franklin streets into a roundabout that would allow two-way traffic in all directions.

The project calls for removing two traffic lights on Main Street and a stop sign on the southbound lane of Franklin Street and allowing Franklin Street traffic to continue directly to Main Street. Currently, Franklin Street traffic must stop a block short of Main Street and divert along Bath and lower Broadway to reach Main Street. On-street parking would be adjusted, as well.

Nunes Companies of Ludlow,

Mass., submitted the low bid of $538,899 for the project, plus $74,169 for an alternate bid item to install stamped concrete for walkways.

The city received a $400,000 state transportation grant for the project. City Public Works Director Patrick McLaughlin said he never expected the grant to pay for the entire project, and the low bid was about what he expected. The rest of the project cost would come from the $5 million road improvements bond voters approved in November 2019.

McLaughlin said if the bid is approved, the project could go forward in April, when seasonal asphalt plants reopen.