Funds Approved For Hanson Road Bridge Replacement, Town Eyes May Start

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Representative Town Meeting swiftly voted to approve an appropriation and bonding authorization of a $2,067,250 on Monday night to replace the Hanson Road Bridge.

The town is now looking to go out to bid for the project in the spring, with construction possibly beginning in May.

Hanson Road in the area of the bridge will be closed to through traffic during the duration of the work, and detours will be in place. The goal is to complete construction before school returns in the fall.

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.

Director of Public Works Ed Gentile told the Board of Selectmen last November that work will include the demolition of the existing structure, the diverting of the Stony Brook, the installation of new box culverts, repaving of the roadway, landscaping enhancements, and a new guardrail.

Additionally, a water main pipe in the middle of the waterway will be moved, Gentile said.

Mark Adiletta, chair of the RTM Public Works Committee, said Monday the bridge will fit in with its surroundings and include wooden guardrails, similar to what's seen on the Merritt Parkway.

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

View Monday's RTM meeting in its entirety on Darien TV79