Hanson Road Bridge Replacement Could Mean 5-Month Road Closure: DPW

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Board of Selectmen on Monday night approved $2,067,250 to fund the replacement of the Hanson Road Bridge, which could take about five months to complete in 2024. Around half of the cost will be covered by a state program for bridge work.

The western bridge abutment at the Hanson Road Bridge was found to be compromised in July 2022, and temporary repairs were made, said Darien Department of Public Works Director Ed Gentile, who went before the board with the request. But the bridge needs to be replaced.

The town is currently around 80 percent into the design phase for the new bridge and is getting ready to submit permits. DPW staff recently met about the project with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Army Corps. of Engineers, Gentile noted.

Darien also submitted to the state's local bridge program, which offers grants to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges, and received a "favorable response," this past summer, Gentile said.

Darien will receive $1,021,000 for the project. The estimate for the project from the town was $2,042,000.

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.

By installing large box culverts instead of pouring a new bridge and waiting for it to cure for 28 days, Gentile said construction time can be considerably reduced.

The hope is to go to bid in January/February 2024 and begin construction when the weather gets warmer in April, Gentile said. August is the target month for completion since the area becomes busy in September with school back in session. The five-month construction estimate is tentative, Gentile noted.

A detour plan has been submitted for review, Gentile added.

First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky praised DPW for submitting the grant application quickly and securing the money. Gentile noted that the timing was right and the state program happened to be funded.

The appropriation and a bonding authorization were unanimously approved.

You can watch the entire Board of Selectmen meeting on Darien TV79.