Windsor Locks Public Works

06/09/2026

🚧 Construction Season is Underway in Windsor Locks 🚧

As construction season continues, residents will notice several roadway and infrastructure improvement projects taking place throughout town. In addition to the Connecticut Department of Transportation project on South Main Street, the Windsor Locks Department of Public Works is actively managing and completing several important projects aimed at improving our roads, drainage systems, and pedestrian infrastructure.

🔨 South Street Improvements

The DPW Highway Department is currently utilizing in-house staff to repair catch basins and replace catch basin tops on South Street between South Center Street and Green Manor Terrace. Beginning the week of June 22, contractors will mill and pave this section of roadway. Following paving operations, sidewalks and curb ramps will be replaced and upgraded to meet current ADA accessibility standards.

This project was approved by Windsor Locks voters as part of the FY 2021 Capital Improvement Plan.

💧 Briarcliff Drive & Druid Street Drainage Improvements

Spazzarini Construction Co., LLC is currently performing drainage improvements on Briarcliff Drive and Druid Street. This project builds upon drainage work completed last year on Briarcliff Drive, Sutton Drive, and Sherwin Lane and is intended to address longstanding drainage concerns in the neighborhood.

The project also includes roadway reclamation, grading, and paving on both Briarcliff Drive and Druid Street.

Funding for this work was approved by voters as part of the FY 2020 Capital Improvement Plan.

🛣️ Manhole Adjustments Throughout Town

Residents may also notice contractors resetting manholes at various locations throughout Windsor Locks. Most of this work is occurring on South Street, Webb Street, and Second Street to complete roadway reconstruction projects initiated last year. While mobilized in town, the contractor is also addressing several nuisance manholes in other locations.

🚜 Ongoing Highway Maintenance

In addition to these capital projects, the DPW Highway Department continues to perform essential roadway maintenance activities, including:

• Pothole repairs
• Roadside mowing
• Street sweeping
• Drainage maintenance
• Sign repairs and replacements
• Other tasks that help keep our transportation network safe and functional

⚠️ Please Drive Safely

With multiple active work zones throughout Windsor Locks, we ask all motorists to remain alert, reduce speeds, and follow posted signage and traffic control devices.

Most importantly, please remember that the men and women working in these construction zones deserve to return home safely to their families at the end of each day.

Thank you for your patience as we continue investing in and improving Windsor Locks' infrastructure.

06/09/2026

🌳 Did You Know? 🌳

The Windsor Locks Public Works Parks Department maintains 30 properties across town, totaling more than 431 acres of public land. Of those acres, over 100 require regular mowing throughout the growing season.

While mowing is one of the most visible spring and summer tasks performed by our Parks staff, it is only a small part of what they do each day. Their responsibilities also include:

⚾ Preparing and lining ball fields each year for more than 200 recreational games and events

🏊 Opening, operating, and maintaining the Pesci Park Pool

🧹 Cleaning park restrooms, showers, and storage facilities

🗑️ Emptying trash and recycling containers throughout our parks

🌿 Trimming shrubs, bushes, and ornamental plantings

💧 Operating, maintaining, and repairing irrigation systems

🔨 Maintaining playgrounds, fences, and other park infrastructure

🚜 Repairing winter plow damage

🎉 Preparing parks and facilities for community events

📋 Responding to resident requests and addressing park maintenance concerns

And that's just a portion of their workload.

Our Parks Department works hard every day to keep Windsor Locks' parks, fields, playgrounds, and recreational facilities clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. The next time you visit one of our parks, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and effort that goes into maintaining these community assets.

06/01/2026

The Route 140 Bridge is open!

05/28/2026

Reminder! CT DOT will be closing Bridge Street this weekend to perform work on the railroad.

Temporary closure of Bridge Street (Route 140) in Windsor Locks

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a full closure of the Route 140 Bridge Street Bridge over the Connecticut River will be in effect from Friday, May 29, 2026, until Monday, June 1, 2026.

ROUTE 140 will be closed to traffic from 7 PM on May 29, 2026, until approximately 4 PM on June 1, 2026. Traffic will be detoured onto ROUTE 159, then onto ROUTE I-91, and finally onto ROUTE 140. Detour signs and changeable message boards will be used to direct traffic.

Local resident access will be maintained from Route 159.

The weekend road closure is being utilized to allow for the installation of new Signal Gates at the Amtrak railroad project.

CT DOT Project No. 0320-0026 was awarded to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC, at a cost of $37,167,000.00 on May 14, 2025, and is scheduled to be completed by November 23, 2027. This project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 5 in New Haven.

05/23/2026

The DPW received several calls this week regarding mowing at various locations throughout town. We appreciate residents taking the time to bring concerns to our attention and wanted to provide some context regarding the Parks Department’s current workload and staffing levels.

As part of the fiscal year 2025/2026 budget approved by voters at last summer’s referendum, the Parks Department experienced a reduction in staffing hours related to grounds maintenance operations. More specifically, the DPW was directed to reduce a full-time maintainer position and a full-time seasonal laborer position; a reduction of 80 hours weekly.

At the same time, additional maintenance responsibilities have been added, including the new Senior Center and Police Department facilities. In the near future, the Town will also assume responsibility for maintaining the Church Street green and the pathway along Main Street once those projects are formally accepted from CT DOT’s contractor.

Our Parks staff is responsible for maintaining approximately 30 properties throughout town. This time of year also presents the fastest grass growth of the season, which can make it challenging to keep all locations on the same mowing schedule. As a result, crews are continuing to prioritize maintenance needs and address properties as efficiently as possible.

With a reduced workforce, we will simply not be able to do everything we used to, but it isn’t due to a lack of effort. Simply put, two staff members cannot accomplish the same work that was previously performed by four.

We are also aware of comments suggesting that the current mowing conditions are somehow related to the upcoming budget vote. We want to be clear that this is not the case. The staffing reductions referenced above were implemented as part of the FY 2025/2026 budget approved last summer. Our employees take tremendous pride in their work, care deeply about this community, and are working harder than ever every day to keep Windsor Locks looking its best despite the increased workload and reduced staffing resources.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this busy season and encourage residents to continue reporting concerns or maintenance issues directly to the DPW. Feedback from the community is helpful and allows us to respond more effectively to issues as they arise.

As a reminder, the WLPW page is not regularly monitored. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works directly at 860-627-1405 or [email protected].

05/21/2026

Temporary closure of Bridge Street (Route 140) in Windsor Locks

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a full closure of the Route 140 Bridge Street Bridge over the Connecticut River will be in effect from Friday, May 29, 2026, until Monday, June 1, 2026.

ROUTE 140 will be closed to traffic from 7 PM on May 29, 2026, until approximately 4 PM on June 1, 2026. Traffic will be detoured onto ROUTE 159, then onto ROUTE I-91, and finally onto ROUTE 140. Detour signs and changeable message boards will be used to direct traffic.

Local resident access will be maintained from Route 159.

The weekend road closure is being utilized to allow for the installation of new Signal Gates at the Amtrak railroad project.

CT DOT Project No. 0320-0026 was awarded to Walsh Construction Company II, LLC, at a cost of $37,167,000.00 on May 14, 2025, and is scheduled to be completed by November 23, 2027. This project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 5 in New Haven.

05/07/2026

Have you noticed a faint humming noise while driving on Spring Street near Jubrey Lane?

The humming sound is the result of a frequency created during the asphalt compaction process when the roadway was paved. While the pavement remains structurally sound, the Department of Public Works has been working with the installing contractor to address the issue and improve the driving experience for residents and motorists.

The contractor is scheduled to return next week to mill and repave the affected section of Spring Street. This corrective work will be completed at no additional cost to the Town of Windsor Locks.

During this work, motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes whenever possible. Elm Street and North Street may be used as alternate routes to avoid delays and active work areas.

As always, please slow down, stay alert, and drive safely near work zones to help protect both workers and fellow motorists.

05/07/2026

Did you notice circles painted on the road? Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you!

Residents may notice painted circles around some manholes on town roads over the next several weeks. These markings identify structures that will be adjusted to their proper height.

Some manholes simply need minor adjustments to improve ride quality and create a smoother driving surface. Others are part of larger paving projects where the final layer of asphalt was intentionally placed over the manhole covers during paving operations.

While it may seem unusual, this is actually the standard and recommended paving practice used throughout the industry, including by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and agencies following AASHTO roadway construction standards. The proper process is to:

• Place the asphalt continuously over the manhole structure during paving operations
• Return afterward to locate and core drill around the structure
• Adjust the manhole frame and cover to the exact final grade
• Patch the surrounding pavement and seal the joints to prevent water infiltration

This method provides a smoother final roadway surface, improves paving quality, reduces bumps and uneven joints, and helps extend the life of both the pavement and the utility structure.

Thank you for your patience as this work is completed. Please use caution when traveling through active work areas and watch for crews working in the roadway.

04/22/2026

In case you missed it, the grandstands at Pesci Park have a brand-new roof - just in time for Opening Day!

Roofing materials were generously donated by GAF - Roofing, and the installation was completed at no cost by All Seasons Contractor, LLC. We’re incredibly grateful for their investment in our community and their support of our local programs.

Opening Day for Windsor Locks Little League is this Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Pesci Park. The parade kicks off at 10:30 AM.

Our Parks Department has also been hard at work getting the fields ready for the season. If you see any DPW staff at the festivities, be sure to thank them for their efforts in making our parks game-ready.

We look forward to seeing everyone out there - play ball! ⚾