Groton — A project is being designed to improve a stretch of Poquonnock Road in the City of Groton, starting at the Five Corners area and ending just before the Rainville Avenue intersection.

"The purpose of the roadway and sidewalk reconstruction project is to rectify flaws in the existing condition of the subgrade, to adjust the roadway profile so that the functionality of the Clarence B. Sharp overpass is improved and to improve pedestrian safety and access through the corridor," according to a project overview.

The road's pavement was installed over a rail line, "much of which remained in place when the roadway was constructed," according to the description.

"The subgrade has been failing, causing resurfacing and non-full depth reconstruction efforts to fail," it states. "Construction performed on the westerly side of Poquonnock Road, several years ago, revealed a strata of cast in place concrete, which will require heavy equipment to remove."

The City of Groton has received a letter from the state with a commitment to fund the project at $2,185,600, said City of Groton Public Works Services Coordinator Heidi Comeau. BETA Group, Inc. is designing and engineering the project.

During a public information meeting on Monday evening, BETA Group presented preliminary plans. The plans will include replacing and repairing sidewalks as necessary, including replacing substandard ramps in locations to meet state Department of Transportation guidelines, according to the description and presentation.

Jason Ouimet, project manager at BETA Group, said the clearance underneath the Clarence B. Sharp overpass is substandard so it will be increased to a little over 14 and a half feet. That will be achieved through slightly lowering the roadway grade, according to the project description.

The proposal includes installing a new crosswalk with a rapid flashing beacon at the former Brandegee Avenue as a solution to improve pedestrian safety in that area, he said.

The plans further call for minor drainage improvements. BETA Group will be designing the road to meet a 25-year storm, he said.

Comeau said the project is currently in the 30 to 35 percent design stage, with final design plans anticipated to be submitted to the state in January. The goal is to advertise the construction bids in February, according to the draft calendar.

Jay Bertoli, senior associate with BETA Group, said the goal would be to start construction as soon as the project is awarded, which could be as early as April or May. He said he estimates the project would be done in 150 calendar days, but a detailed construction timeline will be prepared as part of the next phase.

City Mayor Keith Hedrick said the city plans to provide residents and businesses in the area with a schedule of events during construction so they can understand the potential impacts.

There are no plans for detours during construction, said Ouimet. Bertoli said they plan to incorporate a flagman or potentially a local police officer to direct alternating one-way traffic in areas.

k.drelich@theday.com