‘A real long haul’: Springfield seeks bids for $3.2 million Central Street reconstruction project

SPRINGFIELD -- With disaster recovery funds from the 2011 tornado, Springfield is advertising for bids to begin the long-awaited $3.2 million Central Street corridor improvement project.

Competitive bids are due by May 6 for the project, which is being funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. The city received the money in the wake of the 2011 tornado that caused millions of dollars in damage.

The Central Street corridor in the Maple Hill-Six Corners area was among the city neighborhoods hit hard by the tornado. The rebuilding effort has included the construction of new homes and the plans for major road project.

“It’s been a real long haul, that’s for sure,” Public Works Director Christopher Cignoli said this week. “Design, land takings, and relocations, all demolition has happened. We’re ready to go.”

Cignoli is hoping that barring any forced delays, work will begin in June. General construction is currently being allowed by the state during the coronavirus pandemic, but under restrictions set by the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker.

The corridor project will result in the realignment and reconstruction of roadways, new sidewalks and traffic signals, landscape improvements, new crosswalks. A narrow section of Hickory Street will be widened and a new entrance area to Ruth Elizabeth Park will be built, Cignoli said.

The project is centered along Central Street from Pine Street to Hancock Street, and on Hickory Street from Hancock to Eastern Avenue.

Properties demolished prior to construction were 462 Central St., which formerly housed Kevin’s Towing and two other automotive businesses, and 468 Walnut St., which formerly housed Impocco’s Poultry Market. A two-family house at 46-48 Hickory St. was also demolished.

The demolition work was also funded by the tornado recovery funds.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno praised the project and the city’s handling of multiple disasters.

“This project continues my administrations investment in all our neighborhoods -- quite a positive transformation is occurring for all the families of our Central Street Corridor area,” Sarno said.

Bids are due by 2 p.m. on May 6 at the Office of Procurement at City Hall.

“I am very happy to finally get this thing done,” Cignoli said. “This road is in such horrible condition. This will really help that area a lot more.”

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