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Westport Opens North Avenue Bridge For One-Way Traffic In Time For School

WESTPORT, Conn. — The North Avenue Bridge in Westport will be open for alternating one-way traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only starting starting Wednesday, Aug. 26, just in time for the new school year, announced First Selectman Jim Marpe.

The North Avenue  bridge over the Merritt Parkway will be open to one-lane alternating traffic. The road is near three schools in Westport.

The North Avenue bridge over the Merritt Parkway will be open to one-lane alternating traffic. The road is near three schools in Westport.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The bridge over the Merritt Parkway will be closed evenings and weekends until the project is completed in late October. 

The alternating one-way traffic will allow Westport’s school buses to use the bridge, thereby decreasing the likelihood of severe delays to the school system’s bus schedule. The new school year begins Thursday in Westport. 

The bridge is located near Coleytown Elementary, Bedford Middle School and Staples High School.

Closing the bridge during the evening and on weekends will allow the state Department of Transportation better access and freedom of movement to conduct the tasks necessary to complete the project repairs as quickly as possible. 

During the first three days of operation, the Westport Police Department will be providing traffic control for the 12-hour periods during which the bridge will be open for alternating one-way traffic. 

After that period, Westport has requested that the DOT provide funding for flagmen for the 12-hour period each day when the bridge will be open. 

The Westport Police Department will provide oversight and supervision of the flagging operation. 

Marpe and Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon are asking parents to use the school's bus transportation system for their children in order to decrease traffic volume and to minimize delays in that area.  

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