A contract to redesign the intersection of Philadelphia Avenue and Worthington Drive is well underway near Simpson Elementary School. And there is good news on two fronts.

 

First, multiple residents were concerned about the replacement of the long-standing retaining wall for a particular reason. And that reason was what would happen to the two lions that stood guard on the wall’s entrance points to the driveway to the residence.

 

“The lions are safely stored and will be moved to a location on the property that will be visible to the public at the property owner’s discretion,” said Bridgeport City Engineer Beth Fox.

 

As for the critical news that led to the retaining wall’s replacement on the residential property at the intersection, directly across the street from the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, is that there will be no interruption of traffic as students return to school today.

 

“The project is not done, but the wall has been dismantled and a lot of utility work has been completed. There are some things in the area that we hope to have buttoned up before school gets started (today), but if that is needed it will not be happening during the hours when students are arriving and leaving,” said Fox. “There will not be a traffic interruption.”

 

Fox said there is still work involving the wall going up Worthington. She also some drainage work will be needed, as well as an upgrade to the traffic signal at the intersection. The city owns the traffic signal.

 

One thing that will not be done is doing work along some of the property owned by Bridgeport United Methodist Church on the corner of the intersection. Fox said it was determined that it was not needed once the configuration and planning was completed.

 

“We want to make sure everyone knows there should be no delays (today),” said Fox. “Everyone has been aware since the beginning, from the contractor to school personnel, that the traffic that originates during the drop-off time and pickup time is not to be impacted.”

 

Fox praised the homeowners for their cooperation throughout. She said their concern has been safety at the intersection.

 

“We appreciate them, and we appreciate them reaching out to us about making modifications and upgrades to that intersection for the safety, primarily, of so many children in that area,” said Fox.

 

Fox also praised Parrotta Paving Company, Inc., the contractor for having “the project moving along smoothly.” They were the lowest responsible bidder at $270,865.00 with a 10 percent contingency of $27,086.50.

 

Editor's Note: Photos show work progressing last week on the retaining wall.