DANVERS — A project to repave a two-mile stretch of Route 114 in Peabody and Danvers won't be finished until a new gas line can be installed, a state Department of Transportation spokesman said.
With the road milled down several inches, drivers have been testing their skill and their nerve to avoid hitting the exposed manhole covers.
"The gas company is working during the day in a portion of the project limits to install a new gas main along with tie-ins for the abutters," said Adam Hurtubise, a spokesman with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. "This work is not related to our project other than coordinating the work so that the gas company can finish before we pave." Hurtubise did not give a timetable when the gas main work would end so the rest of the paving could begin.
The resurfacing of Route 114 is being paid for by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Construction is estimated at $2.3 million, while the federal government has earmarked $3.3 million for the project.
The work covers a section of the highway from Route 1 in Danvers to Route 128 in Peabody, plus a 450-foot stretch of Sylvan Street in Peabody at the intersection of Route 114, Hurtubise said.
The contractor has completed some sidewalks and curbs and milled the road's surface. Milling involves removing the pavement down to its base layer, and this work was completed the week of July 16.
While National Grid works during the day, the paving contractor works at night from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, Hurtubise said.
Once the gas main work is done, the state's contractor will be paving for about a week after that, Hurtubise said.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or eforman@salemnews.com.
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