Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Main Street paving delays caused headaches, popped tires

Main Street was filled with obstacles for much of the fall as it awaited paving. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Main Street Corridor Project contractor, A.F. Amorello & Sons, completed paving on the west end of the project Nov. 18. But until the work was finished, it caused issues for drivers and Hopkinton residents.

Amorello had planned to pave the west end of the project — from the Fire Station up to Wood Street — by the end of October. According to project updates and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, this work was delayed by weather.

These delays left manhole covers and other raised structures exposed on Main Street as the contractor waited for weather conditions to improve.

The result of the delays was a number of popped tires and frustration from residents. The Hopkinton Police Department’s daily logs recorded five calls for service due to blown tires on Main Street between Oct. 30 and Nov. 12. On one of those calls, an HPD officer responded to find three additional vehicles with burst tires as they responded to the original caller.

The issue also was lampooned in a letter to the editor from Open Space Preservation Commission chair Ed Harrow.

In an email to the Independent, Lazarus explained that precautions like safety ramps were not required for the project per guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. “All MassDOT contractual requirements were met,” she stated.

For drivers who experienced damage to their vehicles, Lazarus directed them to submit a claim through Amorello’s insurance. Drivers need to send in a description of the damage and details on where and how it took place along with photos and cost estimates to Monique Krygowski (moniquekrygowski@afamorello.com).

Regarding the next round of paving set for the spring, Lazarus noted that the town will be evaluating the plan with MassDOT. “[We] will review the process with MassDOT to see if the timeline can be shortened for next year’s paving work,” Lazarus stated. “The plan is for that paving to occur after the Boston Marathon.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

A subdivision plan modification approved by the Planning Board on Monday will allow residents of Auciello Drive to request the street be accepted as a town road at Town Meeting in May.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts presents Festival of Lights: Hopkinton Lights Up as One on Saturday.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Assessors (5:30) and Capital Improvement Committee (6).

Photo of the Day

Sleet falls on top of fresh snow Tuesday afternoon, creating slippery conditions in the center of town.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR