Bel Air Dam Removal and Traffic Control Plan Update

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have been working with SumCo Eco-Contracting to develop the traffic control plan for the Bel Air Dam removal project.
 
Two-way traffic will be maintained on Wahconah Street during construction, although there will be a slight lane shift implemented which will be marked by traffic cones and drums. In addition, the sidewalk on the eastern side of Wahconah Street will remain available for pedestrian use throughout the duration of construction and the previously planned pedestrian detour onto the west side of Wahconah Street will not be implemented.
 
A pedestrian light signal will be installed on the existing eastern sidewalk, at the construction entrance approximately 600 feet north of Wahconah Heights. This new, temporary signal will alert pedestrians regarding the need to halt if construction vehicles are exiting onto Wahconah Street. As previously planned, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will be permanently installed at the existing crosswalk on the northern end of Wahconah Street between Wilson and Mohawk
Streets.
 
As part of the revised approach to traffic management for this project, there may be times when trucks are temporarily queued along Wahconah Street as they wait to enter the construction entrance near the existing dam, which may result in temporary traffic delays for a few minutes while police flaggers manage traffic on Wahconah Street. However, the majority of truck staging will occur at the Wahconah Park parking area, where trucks will wait until they are notified to
advance to the construction entrance for sediment loading.
 
The Bel Air Dam removal work is expected to continue through 2026. For more information about this project, visit the Bel Air Dam project page.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Cookie at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's an adventurous cat at No Paws Left Behind looking for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Cookie is a six year old grey and white domestic shorthair who has been at the shelter for a couple of months.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him.

"He came in, actually, with a couple other cats. It was just due to having too many cats in a house, and he came in with, we believe he might be like the father to the others. The others all were adopted over the last couple weeks, so he's the last one still here."

Cookie is a very friendly cat and he is always interested in the other cats to play or hang out. He can do well with other animals and any age but don't let his age fool you as he is still very active and very outgoing.

"He does well with other cats, he would do fine with being at home with dogs, kids. I know, like some people like seeing, a six year old cat you would think he may be not as active, but he is very active, outgoing, vocal. So, I think if you were somebody that was looking for a cat that was active and had a personality that I feel like he'd greet you at the door. He lets you know when he wants food. Really, he can go home with anything, as long as you want a cat that will let you know he's there, he'd be great."

He is quite adventurous as well. He enjoys climbing and exploring around his space. While he may be a bit shy to newcomers at first once he gets to know you he will talk to you and want to play.

"He likes to explore up high, so I think if you had a tall cat tower or windows for him to explore, he would love that, because he always is trying to get up high and get on the cabinets to see what's up there. There's not much he doesn't like, and then he can be a little like shy at first with new people, where he'll kind of go up to you and then walk away, but once he trusts you and is used to you, he's the easiest going social cat," she said.

Cookie does have a bit of a sensitive stomach and would be better if he has certain foods.

"We've tried a lamb or turkey food, and he's had a sensitivity to that, so we've been having him on just salmon and rice food, and he's been perfectly fine, no issues. So, otherwise, aside from the sensitivity, he's perfectly healthy and normal."

Cookie is waiting to be your next family member, if you want someone to talk to and lounge around with this is your boy.

"I really just think if you're looking for a social cat, he's going to be a great companion for somebody. I don't think it matters if you're… it doesn't matter your age. I think he would be happy to just have somebody keep him company and give him attention," she said.

If you think Cookie is your next companion be sure to fill out the form on their website and email or drop it off to No Paws Left Behind today.

 
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