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WESTPORT, Conn. – Two months of repair work to the swing bridge over the Saugatuck River on Bridge Street will begin Monday, Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff announced Monday afternoon.
The bridge, formally known as the William F. Cribari Bridge, was damaged during Hurricane Sandy, Joseloff said. Cianbro Construction Co. has been contracted by the state Department of Transportation to make repairs to both the mechanical and electrical components of the bridge, he said.
Much of the work will be done at night, when the bridge will be closed to traffic. However, short daytime shutdowns of the bridge may be necessary, Joseloff said. The contractor will be in direct contact with the selectman’s office to provide adequate notice of closures, he said.
Additionally, the contractor will post information in advance on either end of the bridge using electronic message boards. Also, the state will set up appropriate detour signs during the closures and Westport police will direct traffic.
The work will run through the beginning of April, though the time frame depends on whether additional damage to the bridge is discovered, Joseloff said. Once the mechanical equipment is removed for repairs, the bridge will essentially be inoperable, the contractor told town officials.
The bridge is expected to be in that condition for the full two months of repair. If absolutely necessary, the bridge can be opened manually, but at least 24 hours notice would be required, according to the contractor. Also, the request would need to be coordinated with the state and the contractor.
Small vessels can pass under the bridge in its closed position. The clearance is approximately 7 feet during an average high tide.
The state will notify to the Coast Guard regarding the bridge’s condition.
Comments (1)
Kindly update us here for further information and any news with regards to this bridge repair. I can see bridge stone there where motorcycles can pass but not so sure if the government will allow them.