From the region.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

COLUMN: From the region

Phillipston

`Heavy lift' technique will speed bridge work

PHILLIPSTON - The Route 2 bridge that crosses Route 2A is closed for repairs. A detour around the project area is set up for Route 2 traffic via Route 2A using exits 17 and 19.

The state Department of Transportation project includes the demolition of the Route 2 bridge that spans Route 2A and the erection of a replacement bridge.

The work will be completed in 202 hours, with crews working 24 hours a day seven days a week. It is slated for completion in early November.

The replacement bridge, already constructed north of the existing bridge, will be erected using a "heavy lift" technique. Two specialized, multi-axle, self-propelled trailers will lift the bridge off temporary supports and move it into place.

This is the first time the state has used the "heavy lift" technique for bridge construction. The technique greatly reduces construction time and construction-related impacts such as lane closures, detours, congestion and economic impacts.

Emergency access and school bus access to local roads will be maintained during construction.

Traffic detour maps and more information on the project can be viewed at www.mass.gov/massdot/heavyliftphillipston.

Paxton

Tax rate increase approved by DOR

PAXTON - The state Department of Revenue has approved the new tax rate of $17.03 per $1,000 valuation, an increase of 73 cents.

Assessor Donna Graf Parsons said she has begun revising tax assessments to reflect that increase and an 8 percent drop in valuations and hopes to have them completed by the end of the week.

They will be available at Town Hall or the assessor's website.

Collector Deirdre Malone said the new tax bills will be mailed out Dec. 31 and due April 1.

Winchendon

Five candidates run as recall replacements

WINCHENDON - The election seeking the recall of two selectmen is on, with three candidates running for one post and two for the other.

Selectmen Edward Bond and Burton E. Gould Jr. chose not to resign after enough signatures for an election to recall them were collected. Because they did not resign, an election will be held Dec. 11 to decide first if voters wish to recall either or both of the selectmen, and secondly, who should replace whomever is recalled.

Five candidates submitted the 30 signatures to get on the ballot as possible replacements for Mr. Bond and Mr. Gould. Three candidates are seeking to replace Mr. Bond, including Robert O'Keefe, Finance...