BCC to Hold New Student Orientation and Registration Sessions

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced a full slate of orientation sessions for new students over the coming months. All accepted students are invited to attend. 
 
Two-hour information sessions will be held in the SBA Lounge from 10 am-noon on Tuesday, June 27; Thursday, July 20; and Wednesday, August 16. During these sessions, students can take a campus tour and, if registered, pick up their student ID.  
 
Students accepted into the Pre-Nursing/Pre-LPN program, Liberal Arts or Business are invited to attend a new student orientation and registration session, including a campus tour, lunch with the Financial Aid Department and registration for classes with an advisor. The four-hour sessions, held in the SBA Lounge, are as follows: 
  • Pre-Nursing/Pre-LPN: Tuesday, June 13 or Tuesday, August 15 
  • Liberal Arts: Thursday, June 15 
  • Business: Tuesday, June 20 
Simple 30-minute sessions are also offered to help accepted students feel more prepared for the first day of school. Students should come with their schedule, and BCC staff will guide them to their classrooms find their classes and pick up their student IDs. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays from June through August, offered every half hour from 10 am to 3:30 pm. 
 
"My BCC Wellness: Creating Your Own Path," led by Personal Counselor Lisa Mattila, will be held on Tuesday, July 18 from 10 am-1 pm in the SBA Lounge. Designed as a fun way to connect with other students, learn ways to decrease stress and create an action plan, students will attend a campus tour, learn about the College and, if registered, pick up their student ID. 
 
Orientation Day is Thursday, August 31 from 9 am-12:30 pm in the Connector.  
 
Space is limited and registration is required for all sessions. To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/orientation.
 
For more information, contact Tina Schettini, Coordinator of Student Activities, at tschetti@berkshirecc.edu or (413) 236-1603. 

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'Poor' Pontoosuc Avenue Bridge to Be Replaced

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Pontoosuc Avenue bridge has been in poor condition for a decade and will be replaced next year with improved pedestrian access.

Officials assure the public that it is not in danger of failing before construction begins. A detour will use Briggs Avenue for through traffic between Wahconah Street and Pontoosuc Avenue.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation held a 25-percent design hearing virtually on Tuesday. Located next to the former Harry's Supermarket, the bridge extends over the West Branch of the Housatonic River and provides access from North Street to Wahconah Street.

"In November 2015, the bridge superstructure was determined to be in poor condition as part of its routine bridge inspection," explained Shannon Beaumont, senior project manager with Fuss & O'Neill.

"The project was subsequently scheduled for funding by a MassDOT for rehabilitation or replacement, and the project kicked off in October of 2021."

The $7.7 million project will be funded through the 2026 Transportation Improvement Program for the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and continue for about a year.

The aim is to provide a new bridge that meets current requirements, enhances existing multimodal access with bike lanes and sidewalks, maintains or improves the existing bridge opening, and avoids unnecessary abutter impacts by minimizing changes to the alignment and vertical profile.

An evaluation was done on the strength, stability, and condition of the more than 30-year-old structure.  The concrete abutments are in fair condition with adequate strength but the stability of the existing abutments don't meet current design standards and a full bridge replacement is required.

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