The Department of Public Works is constructing a sidewalk on Main Street in North Reading from North Street to Francis Street. The DPW started working last week by removing brush and trees. 

According to DPW Director Richard Carnevale, "The DPW has been constructing sidewalks in key areas in coordination with the CPC Pedestrian subcommittee as funds are identified. The work this year has been funded by developers, the CPC, the DPW operating budget and several articles from prior town meetings."

They have constructed sidewalks on Haverhill Street, north of Anthony Road and Marblehead Street, from Little Meadow Way to Haverhill Street. They are now working on Main Street.

"Our intent is to construct a sidewalk from Francis Street to North Street (funds permitting)," Carnevale said.

The DPW started working on the Main Street area last week by removing brush and trees and "preparing the subgrade." The next step is to install the asphalt sidewalk, Carnevale said. They hope to install the sidewalk this week. 

"After this we will be providing small sidewalk segments along the “islands” between driveways north to the end of the existing sidewalks at North Street (about 1100 feet). This would provide a continuous sidewalk on Main Street east side (northbound) from the Reading line to the Stop & Shop plaza. If time and funds permit the DPW will continue north from Stop & Shop plaza to Pluff Avenue (about 650 feet)," he said.

The cost for a sidewalk varies depending on how much preparation is needed, but usually costs about $25 to $50 per foot, according to Carnevale.

"The current 600 foot segment on Main Street requires relatively little prep so I estimate the cost to be in the $10-15,000 range," he said.

Where else do you think sidewalks should be constructed in North Reading? Let us know in the comments section.