Rumford’s Island construction project is wrapping up for the winter.

RUMFORD — With the arrival of wintry weather, work on the downtown infrastructure project will wind down for the season over the next two weeks, Town Manager Linda-Jean Briggs said.

Briggs told the Board of Selectmen on Thursday night the weather has become too cold to properly install concrete and permanent pavement.

About a half-mile of sidewalks that are not finished will have 4 inches of gravel installed and graded, with 2 inches of temporary pavement in place for the winter.

Steel plates will be installed on the Hotel Harris side of Lowell Street for the winter, and temporary pavement placed over them to ensure weather protection. This sidewalk will not be available for pedestrian traffic.

Briggs said temporary pavement will also be placed at the cross trench on River Street, on the fire station apron and at a couple of locations near Dunkin’ Donuts.

Road signs will be installed, electrical wire and conduit is in and lights have been scheduled for installation soon.

Briggs said the cost of this temporary work is covered by the contractor, Sargent Corp.

“It is disappointing to know we weren’t able to fully complete the project this year,” Briggs said.

“We are extremely thankful to the businesses and all of their patrons for the inconvenience suffered during this season. Your continued optimism has been infectious.”

She said the contractor will return at the end of April to finish the project within two months.

In other matters, the board authorized Briggs to negotiate the sale of used granite curbing to a granite dealer.

There was more than 4,000 linear feet available before the public works salvaged several large pieces.

Briggs said a granite dealer was offering $10 per linear foot for the remaining curbing. She said the used curbing is at the town snow dump. if it is not sold soon, the Public Works Department will have to remove it and store it behind the highway garage.

Briggs also announced the Town Office will be closed Friday, Nov. 23. All employees will take a vacation day.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net