Eversource crews began trenching work Monday morning on Beach Road between Five Corners and Main Street, Vineyard Haven in anticipation of removing four utility poles and transferring wires across the street. The resulting lane closure created a significant traffic backup that snarled Five Corners following the arrival of the Steamship Authority ferry Martha’s Vineyard at 7:45 am, Monday.
A police officer stationed at Five Corners attempted to keep the unloaded vehicles moving leading to anxious moments for drivers expecting to board the 8:15 am boat, who found themselves waiting in a line of traffic that extended past Packer’s.
Drivers are cautioned to expect delays in and around the area. Tisbury selectman Melinda Loberg said Monday that work is expected to continue for the next 5 days, but could take up to 10 days, pending weather delays.
One year ago, Eversource, then known as NSTAR, began work on the long-anticipated project to remove four utility poles on Beach Street, between Water Street and Main Street that protrude into the roadway and have been a longstanding safety hazard, amputating passenger side mirrors of many vehicles.
In preparation for removing the four poles, a crew installed three new poles on the opposite side of the road.
