Darien Enters Into Easement Agreements For Hanson Road Bridge Project

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen this week voted to enter into three easement agreements so the Hanson Road Bridge project can proceed.

The total cost for the easements is $26,860, according to Assistant Director of Darien Public Works Darren Oustafine, who appeared before the selectmen on June 3 with Director Ed Gentile.

The meeting was held virtually and broadcast via Darien TV79.

The western bridge abutment at the bridge was found to be compromised in July 2022, and temporary repairs were made. However, the bridge, which was built in 1936, needs to be replaced completely.

"In order to do the repairs on that bridge, we're having to use some private property to do it," First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said. There are three pieces of private property that intersect on Hanson Road.

"The easements have all been signed by the affected property owners through a long negotiation period. We've ironed out all our differences," Oustafine added. "The easements are necessary for a number of reasons. One reason is because we need to bypass the river so we can build the bridge and install the water line."

The most expensive easement is $12,590, Oustafine said. The two others are $9,260 and $5,010.

Zagrodzky thanked the property owners for their help and cooperation.

"I know we're compensating them for these easements, but it does entail some inconvenience for them to allow us to get this important work done, but we do appreciate it," Zagrodzky said.

Earlier this year, the Darien Representative Town Meeting voted to approve an appropriation and bonding authorization of $2,067,250 to replace the Hanson Road Bridge.

Darien will be reimbursed for 50 percent of the project cost thanks to the Connecticut Department of Transportation Local Bridge Program.

Oustafine said this week the town plans to go to bid beginning July 1.

Gentile told the selectmen last November the project could take five months to complete.

Watch the June 3 Board of Selectmen meeting on demand on DarienTV79.