Politics & Government

Restricted Access of Bridge Over Farmington River During Consultation

Although it's safe for cars, the bridge is being assessed by town-hired engineers for improvements.

Drivers are advised to avoid the bridge on Town Bridge Road that goes over the Farmington River while officials consider renovating or replacing the historic structure.

The bridge was closed on Monday, and drivers will have restricted access periodically from now into next week. The bridge was built in 1895 and is on the National Register of Historic Places and Historic American Engineering Record. It's among a small number of bridges built with a through-truss design that are still in use.

Although it’s safe for cars, the bridge is being assessed by town-hired engineers for improvements.

Robert Skinner, the town’s chief administrative officer, told the Hartford Courant that he expects a report from those consultants in June.

Because the bridge is historic and has only one lane, upgrading it would require permission from the federal government. The town plans to spend $6.69 million on renovations, including a $5.4 million contribution from the fed.


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