Parts of Elm Street close for work

PENN YAN—Excavation of East Elm Street in Penn Yan started last week as part of a two phase repaving project.
Dick Osgood, director of public works for Penn Yan, explained the reason for the work actually stems from railroad ties left in the road from 1935.
The excavating has closed East Elm Street, from Main to Champlin Streets.  Osgood said that is the first phase.  Work includes gravel being put in after the road is excavated, followed by grading.  Osgood said there is also some sidewalk work and a manhole that needs repairs in this part of the project.  All of that work is being done by the village, with some help from the county.
Osgood said the only work not done by the village will be blacktop paving.  He explained that, weather permitting, a contractor should come on Friday to pave the street.
Phase two is the same work from the Champlin Street to just east of Townsend Wood Funeral Home.  Osgood said after excavating and grading, the contractor would be back to pave the second phase of work.  The contractor will also pave once over both parts of East Elm Street.  
He explained while people can drive over a graveled road, East Elm Street is staying closed so drivers do not ruin the grade.  Osgood said the county has lent the village an excavator, roller, bulldoser, and two operators for the work.  He added the townships have helped with trucking.