$3.7M Bridge Replacement Planned For Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Driving through the Fairfield University area might require a little extra time and patience next year, when a $3.7 million bridge replacement project is scheduled for Duck Farm Road.

The Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen voted unanimously earlier this week to issue bonds for the project. The issuance must also be approved by the Representative Town Meeting. Nearly $3 million of the cost will be reimbursable through grant funds from the Federal Local Bridge Program.

“The bridge has had a poor condition rating,” Engineering Manager Bill Hurley told the Board of Finance at its meeting Tuesday.

The 32-foot bridge was built in 1959 and is located between Hunter Road and Alma Drive. Construction is expected to take place between April and December of next year, although Hurley acknowledged supply chain issues could lead to the replacement becoming an 18-month project. While work is underway, the road will be subject to closures, according to Hurley, who said maintaining a single open lane during construction would be costlier and require a two-year timeline.

“We really don’t have an option here,” Selectman Tom Flynn said of the replacement during Monday's board meeting. “It’s going to be a pain for that area for a bit with that bridge out of commission.”

The town will put up signage, Hurley said, and Mill Plain Road will be used as a detour.

“We have been working with the neighborhood,” he said, noting the town held two public information meetings about the project.

While cost estimates within the last six months have been higher than previous projections, Hurley noted the amount set aside by the boards included a 10 percent contingency.

Once construction is over, the new bridge is expected to have a 75-year service life.