Great Barrington — THIS JUST IN: The state has confirmed that work on the Main Street Reconstruction Project in Great Barrington will begin on July 14.

In an e-mail message received Wednesday afternoon, July 2, DOT spokesperson Michael Verseckes announced that “our contractor, JH Maxymillian, is planning on installing construction signs next week, and could begin work during the week of July 14.”

Verseckes continued: “The roadway surface in this area has suffered extensive deterioration and needs to be rebuilt.  Especially after the harsh winter we just had, that deterioration was made worse by snow and ice thawing, seeping into cracks, expanding, and increasing the size of the cracks to the point where they become potholes.

“To avoid affecting visitors and local commerce, no work will be allowed to take place on Main Street between Castle Street and Elm Street beginning on June 28 through August 29.  During that time period, work will take place on either side of that segment though.

“Overall, the project consists of resurfacing or, where necessary, reconstructing Main Street from Taconic Avenue, north, to Cottage Street.  Sidewalks will be repaired or rebuilt within the project limits, and traffic signal improvements to the three signalized intersections in this corridor.

“Standard work hours will be 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“The cost is approximately $5,850,016, and work is expected to last through the spring of 2016.”

Please see our earlier story for more details.