Bridge Replacement Project In Fairfield On-Pace To Reopen This Fall

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Duck Farm Road bridge in Fairfield has been closed for just over a year, as it is being replaced with a new span. Even with delays and periods of inactivity, town officials say that the project is on-schedule to reopen to traffic by September.

Work on the bridge began last year in the middle of April, and it was expected to be completed in eight to 16 months.

The $3.7 million project was approved in the fall of 2021; nearly $3 million of the cost is being paid through grants from the Federal Local Bridge Program.

Initially, there were delays because five utility companies had to complete work before demolition could begin. This included Aquarion Water Company relocating and installing a temporary water main to allow for construction to begin, according to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick.

Built in 1959, the bridge measures 32 feet, and is nestled between Hunter Road and Alma Drive.

Before construction began, town Engineering Manager Bill Hurley warned that supply chain issues could stretch the project out to 18 months.

Frustration has run high for some residents as the project progressed, with little to no work during some periods.

Traffic through the area, which is off Mill Plain Road, has backed up at times due to detours around the neighborhood.

In her regular Town Update newsletter, Kupchick has tried to keep residents in the loop about the delays and the construction.

The project manager for the town, Eli Ghazal, told Patch that a subcontractor also had to be replaced, which slightly delayed the project, but that situation has been rectified.

"We are confident that this change will significantly expedite the remaining construction work and allow us to overcome the delays we have faced," Ghazal wrote in an email to Patch. "We have commitment from the contractor for substantial completion (i.e. Open to local traffic) come September."

If the contractor does not deliver on time, that company will face having to pay liquidated damages, according to officials.