Vernon Police Department Gets New Sidewalk, Ramp

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Police Department has a new walkway, courtesy of the town-wide sidewalk improvement program.

The work took place Wednesday after a couple of days for prep work. The old concrete was removed, the ramp re-graded and then new concrete was put in its place.

The curb cuts were expanded, as was the sidewalk that abuts the parking lot.

Vernon Public Works Director Dwight Ryniewicz fell short of saying the work was overdue, but he added the VPD building had been identified as a priority in the municipal sidewalk improvement program. Consultants regularly survey the town's roads and rate areas of town, then a sidewalk list is formed and bids are solicited," he said.

"We're trying to step up the sidewalk replacement program," Ryniewicz said. "As you know, the police department of a heavy traffic area. We needed to fix a couple of ramp panels anyway and extended it to the sidewalk in the front of the building."

The area from the Baptist church on Route 30 to Dart Road and then From Dart to West Street that eventually leads to the police station is also part of the plan.

"We'll get as much done as we can around town before winter sets in," Ryniewicz said. "Then, we'll pick it back up in the spring."

A sign was out all day Wednesday directing those with business at the VPD to call the non-emergency number at 860-872-9126. Police said once the concrete is safe to walk on, the sign will be removed and the lobby will be back open.