DERRY — As summer begins to wind down, several major projects along Manchester Road continue along on schedule.

The widening of the road itself is still on pace to be completed by the end of November, according to Mike Fowler, public works director.

This week’s work along the road includes the overnight water shutdown at the intersection of Linlew and Manchester Road as drainage construction continues north of Linlew Drive and at the Tsienneto Road intersection. Roadway widening is scheduled at Ashleigh Drive, as is a signal conduit and foundation installation, according to Fowler.

During the week, there will be daytime lane shifts to accommodate the roadway widening and signal and drainage construction, which could result in minor delays.

“Drainage and signal work crossing intersections may require detail officers or flaggers to override normal traffic flow causing minor delays,” Fowler stated.

The current work along Manchester Road is part of the second phase of the project.

“All traffic is shifted into newly striped lane configurations along the westerly side (of the road),” according to Fowler. “This will allow the contractor to widen the road and build sidewalk along the easterly side mostly outside of traffic, which should help to reduce traffic delays from construction activities.”

The widening of the road is expected to continue to spur economic development in the TIF district that runs northerly on Manchester Road from Ross’ Corner to the Londonderry town line.

The total project cost is about $5.1 million, with the net amount bonded of $3.4 million. When the project originated in 2006, the projected cost was $6.5 million with authorized bonding of $5.4 million.

One of the biggest commercial projects in the district, the construction of a new Super Walmart on Ashleigh Drive, is expected to be completed and ready for the store to open in September, according to town administrator John Anderson.

Although there have been some rumors that the store could be opening sooner, Anderson said the Super Walmart continues to be on target for September.

While he has heard nothing solid about an agreement on the existing Walmart on Manchester Road, Anderson said he expects Walmart to actively market the property. Regardless, he said, the property will remain on the town’s tax rolls.

aswift@newstote.com