I've been wondering about this too. Worth mentioning is the impact on traffic, as well. For instance, the change in grade in front of approx 300 Jefferson, without any smoothing, causes to traffic to slow as they approach the bump. This causes backups, particularly going up the bridge as people nail the brakes before the bump. Really, what is going on here?

An email update from the City Engineer re: the citywide paving plan
"Hi all, this email is to update you on where we are with the overall project and what is planned for next spring.
Since starting the project in early october, we have ground out the existing pavement and installed a levelling course on every street in this years program. Due to falling temperatures, we will be wrapping up the program for this year by the end of next week.
As tempratures drop, the quality of the final pavement installed becomes an issue and we don’t want to be caught in a snow event with castings raised (plowing).
The status of the project is as follows:
1. All streets have had the existing pavement removed and a levelling course of new pavement installed.
2. Streets where the project started, in ward 4, should have all the castings adjusted and final pavement installed within 2 weeks (12/9).
3. The remaining streets will be left with the levelling course of pavement for the winter. The levelling pavement is either at, or just above, the elevations of the castings in the roadway, so we can effectively plow snow this winter. The transitions, at the start and end of each street, from existing pavement to the levelling course, will also be paved by 12/9, so that there will be a smooth transistion for vehicle traffic and plowing.
4. Jackson st, jefferson ave and derby and new derby streets will have temporary striping installed by 12/2 for centerlines, parking spaces, intersections and crosswalks for the winter.
5. The contractor will return next spring, a soon as temperatures allow, to adjust the remaining castings, install the final pavement and necessary striping.
6. Planned sidewalk repairs, handicap ramps and crosswalks will be constructed next spring as well.
As always, you can visit the project website for updates at: http://www.salem.com/city-engineer

This update was informative. I have reported similar street issues previously; concerning the poor & hazardous transitions. I'm sure many residents not using this site would benefit from the information. We received multiple calls from the City about leaf pick up. Why not send a robo call regarding this!!

MarieT, I trust you will address your question directly with the Mayor's Office, yes?

Same problem here on lower Forrester St. There will be plow damage.

The city knew before starting that the project could not come close to being completed before winter. Why start it? Just another example of the poor leadership in Salem

A robo call to tell residents the repaving schedule failed miserably probably won't happen. Maybe a resignation ??

Larry, my intent of the robo call was provide Salem residents with go- forward plan of next 2wks

For an update on the current year's paving program please see: http://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/uploads/status_of_2016_paving_11-23-16.pdf

Is this a joke? Only 4 streets get striping before the Spring? It's been bad enough for kids walking to school without crosswalks on Webb and East Collins for the past 4 weeks, now we have to wait until the Spring?

We pay taxes a year in advance and the 2016 paving program is a year behind. The original question is why? As for the go forward plan, there isn't one until spring. Hard to believe we are driving around road defects that have been created by the city wide paving program. Jackson St is a hazard to every car with man holes 4 inches bellow grade.

The paving program is by fiscal year, which concludes June 30, 2017. Because the City paved three times as much roadway in this year's plan as it normally does it was necessary to start in the fall to allow time to complete all of the streets. All of the roadways have at least a leveling course of new pavement and are suitable for winter weather and castings should not pose a hazard for plowing, and some streets have their final paving layer.

The transitions, at the start and end of each street, from existing pavement to the leveling course, will be paved by December 9. Jackson Street, Jefferson Avenue, and Derby and New Derby Streets have received temporary striping for the winter.

If you have additional questions about the paving program please call the Engineering Department at (978) 619-5673.