Bridge Re-opens In Thompsonville Section of Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — After being closed for five and a half months due to deterioration, the small bridge over Freshwater Brook on South River Street has reopened to traffic.

The bridge opened Friday after being closed since mid-May. During that time, vehicular traffic wishing to gain access to South River Street and the Donald W. Barnes boat launch had to use Asnuntuck Street.

After due diligence on the part of the Town of Enfield and the much-appreciated patience of the residents of South River Street, the bridge is now being reopened to traffic.

Town Manager Christopher Bromson said, "This is a culmination of town government working together to solve problems and the continued patience of our residents."

A safety inspection of the bridge done in the spring of 2018 found its condition had deteriorated to a dangerous degree, leading to its immediate closure. The Town Council acted to quickly appropriate $100,000 to address the emergency, according to a statement from Bromson's office.

"A follow up inspection has been done by the state of Connecticut, and it has been determined that the temporary repairs are sufficient to keep the bridge open until the replacement project is underway," Director of Public works Donald Nunes said.

Beginning in early October, an aggressive three-week construction schedule timeline to repair the bridge was implemented by Hammonasset Construction, Nunes said.

Funds are in place for complete replacement of the bridge in 2021, Bromson said.

Photo credit: Google Maps

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