“An Extremely Aggressive Paving Season” Getting Underway
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
The condition of Stafford’s roads has been a major concern for many people, but a big investment in the paving budget back in the 2024-2025 budget cycle—that has survived through more recent cuts—is paying off in the form of what First Selectman Bill Morrison called “an extremely aggressive paving season” at the April 1, 2026, Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting.
Public Works Director John Whetton spent a significant amount of time talking about infrastructure projects. From emergency projects to those that are still several years in the future, there was a lot to talk about.
Hard rains led to flooding on Fox Run Drive in March. A drainage failure left some residents with unwanted “lakefront property,” according to Whetton. At times there were roughly two and half feet of water in the road, by Morrison's account. As the street has no outlet, it leaves residents with no choice but to ford through the flood water. The failing drains are too deep for the town crew to fix, leading Whetton to ask the BOS to waive the bidding procedure to get the issue fixed as soon as possible. Whetton already had a quote for $109,000 from Spazzarini Construction, a firm the Town has worked with on many occasions. He said the funds would come out of the Town Aid Road money from the State.
Whetton also told the board that crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) are picking up three tons of asphalt every day to fill potholes all over town. Right now, the department is playing catch-up and once the holes are filled the plan is to prioritize the areas that may need patch paving. (If you’ve got a pothole in desperate need of filling, submit it through the DPW’s portal.)
Meanwhile, crews are getting Hampden Road ready for the paving that is expected to begin in mid-May. These projects are coming out of last year’s budget. However, “if we get the budget passed this year,” Whetton says Colburn Road is next on the list for paving.
Whetton also noted he hopes to get a grant for full reconstruction of part of Gulf Road. If the grant funding does come through, work could still be two years out. So, Whetton said he hoped the Town may be able to attempt a temporary fix by leveling and top coating the worst sections.
Amber Wakley-Whaley, Director of Grants and Community Development, also noted that she is applying for a grant to address issues on Willington Avenue. The Transportation Rural Improvement Program recently changed its scope, and now allows towns to apply for “surface transportation” (e.g. roads). Towns can apply for up to $2 million and no matching funds would be required from Stafford. Wakley-Whaley says the project would extend from East Main Street to Mountain Road.
A number of bridge rehabs and replacements are on the long-term agenda with various grant programs potentially funding the work. To learn more about other future projects, watch the video below.