Lawrence Encounters Snag in William Street Project

A year-long project intended to change half of William Street in Lawrence into a two-lane road may now be farther away from completion than originally thought.

Representatives from Cameron Engineering and Associates, contracted by the village to draw up the plans, came before the Board of Trustees on Thursday with an apology for omitting the necessity of completing a topographic survey to begin construction.

John Cameron Jr., managing partner at Cameron Engineering and Associates, said the original report is still the optimal plan, however, the village needs to do more detailed work before any ground can be broken.

“When we saw what the village had prepared, we had concern that the detail was not done,” Cameron said. “We should have clarified that a survey was very critical, and you have our apologies on that.”

The board traffic flow on William Street in July to help ease traffic conditions on Central Avenue and Washington Avenue. The project has been met with by many residents of an apartment building adjacent to the small street.

A topographic survey is intended to create a more accurate map of the land, allowing engineers to determine vehicle turning radius as well as the proper sidewalk widths to ensure pedestrian safety.

Cameron Engineering and Associates has done work in the village for 27 years, and according to Cameron, this type of survey is “typically” required following the original report, which is solely intended to acquire bidders for a project.

Trustee Joel Mael suggested that the company complete the additional survey and move forward with the project without any additional charges to the village.

“I don't know if you realize the time and effort this board has spent on this issue,” Mael told Cameron. “We were completely surprised by these new revelations.” 

According to Alan King, a partner at Cameron Engineering, the company was originally hired by the village to study travel times, traffic congestion and traffic flow on William Street and Mulry Lane between Rockaway Turnpike and Washington Avenue.

“When we were originally asked to form the study, we had provided a scope of services that said we were going to look at the traffic flow conditions,” King said. “I agree 100 percent that there should have been one line in there that said the next step.” 

Cameron Engineering is considering on continuing the work without additional charges to the village. An update will be provided at the next trustees meeting scheduled for Feb. 9.