Robert Duma, an associate at Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., presents a proposed roadway utility improvement plan to members of Berlin’s Mayor and Council during a meeting last Tuesday evening.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(June 6, 2019) Three streets in Berlin will receive utility improvements after Berlin’s Mayor and Council unanimously approved a $44,600 project proposal during a meeting last Tuesday.

Robert Duma, a civil engineer and associate with Davis, Bowen & Friedel Inc., proposed tackling Bottle Branch Road, as well as Grace and Showell Streets.

Duma said these were “the three worst-ranked roads,” according to a previous town study.

The funds would cover investigation and design costs regarding the engineering associated with the three roads. He added the actual construction phase would require a contractor.

Councilman Zack Tyndall asked Duma to clarify if the work his firm would do would help to alleviate some potential unknown issues.

“Some of the survey work and stuff listed in this document would prevent some unexpected stuff that we experienced on West Street?” Tyndall asked.

Duma replied that it would and said some of the investigative work would include site visits, an examination of records and checking out “what’s under the roads currently.”

Tyndall also asked Electric Utility Director Tim Lawrence of the possible concerns associated with the electricity at those sites.

“Underground is very expensive. It would add more to the project,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence also noted changing the lines’ locations would “dig a trench 30 inches deep.”

Mayor Gee Williams acknowledged the cost, but added the investment could be well worth it.

“I think it would idea[l] sometime in this century to get all the overhead lines underground,” Williams said.

Tyndall moved to approve Resolution 2019-12, the $44,600 project as presented, and it was unanimously approved.