Stafford awards bid for design of walkway

Nov. 12—STAFFORD — The Board of Selectmen has awarded the bid for the design and engineering phase of the Levinthal Run walkway project to M&J Engineering of North Haven, which came in with a total cost of $43,500.

Public Works Director Devin Cowperthwaite said that the plans for the project have been in place since 2015, but the town has previously lacked the funding to bring it to fruition.

"In an effort to reinvigorate the project, the Town of Stafford ARPA Committee has approved funding for the design and engineering costs," he said, referring to funds the town received from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The proposed plans for the walkway include space for residents to travel and exercise off the road and other amenities, such as benches and exercise stations.

M&J Engineering has experience with similar projects, including the Mill River Greenway in Stamford, a river access trail project in Enfield, and multiple sidewalk construction projects in Groton.

Levinthal Run is a mile-long road through town that provides access to the high school, middle school, and elementary schools, as well as the library and Board of Education offices.

"The roadway is frequented by residents at all times of the day for recreation and fitness, despite not having sidewalks or an established walkway," Cowperthwaite said.

Cowperthwaite said that cost estimates to construct the walkway would not be determined until the town is further along in the design process.

"In the future, Stafford residents will be invited to a public information meeting to provide input and guidance toward the development of the project," Cowperthwaite said.

Matthew covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.