Plan To Replace Greenwich Bridge 'In Poor Condition' Unveiled

GREENWICH, CT — A bridge on Sound Beach Avenue that spans over Cider Mill Brook is in "poor condition" and needs to be "entirely replaced," according to Deputy Commissioner of Public Works James Michel.

Last week, Michel presented a plan to fix this issue to the Planning and Zoning Commission. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

According to Michel, the proposal calls for a "complete replacement" of the bridge, as well as minor roadway improvements such as reconstructing pavement and replacing curbing and sidewalks.

The bridge, which was originally constructed in 1925 and reconstructed in 1977, is one of 83 bridges that the town owns and is responsible for maintaining, Michel said.

"Various traffic counts conducted in the area since 2012 indicate the average daily traffic is 14,500 vehicles per day," Michel said, "which ranks this segment of road in the top busiest segments of road in Greenwich."

Documents submitted to the commission indicate the two-span bridge would be replaced by a single span structure. The bridge's elevation would be raised three feet higher to increase its flood capacity and prevent over-topping and flooding during extreme storm events, Michel said.

Though flooding has been an issue in the area, Michel emphasized the proposed project will not solve these conditions, but rather improve the hydraulic capacity of the bridge.

"I want to make very clear that this project is a bridge replacement project," Michel said. "It is not a project to address the flooding concerns of the neighborhood."

No trees would be removed for the project, however seven would be added to the area, as well as shrubs and plantings, Michel said. A new bridge is expected to last between 50 and 75 years, Michel said.

"This proposal will maintain the [area's] historic nature and aesthetic views," Michel said, "while meeting regulatory and safety requirements."

The project will cost $3.5 million, according to the Greenwich Time. Michel said this would mostly be paid for through a grant provided by the state Department of Transportation.

Some residents expressed concerns about the look of the bridge and asked for further information about the project.

Local resident Paul Pugliese recommended the bridge's stonework replicate that of two similar bridges in the area "as closely as possible."

Candace Garthwaite, another local resident, agreed the stonework should match the nearby bridges and said she would also like to see more information regarding flooding in the area.

Commission chair Margarita Alban said it appeared the bridge needed to be addressed soon, regardless of the flooding in the area.

"I think what they're saying is the bridge is in really bad shape, and you have to do something at this point," Alban said. "They do have a group of people working on the flooding issue, but right now the bridge is in bad shape and presents a risk, and that's their assessment."

Local resident Rita Baker said she would like to see more detailed renderings of what the bridge will look like.

"Unless we have some drawings, some actual renderings, we as the public and you as the commission can't really judge what this is going to look like," Baker said. "What's the impact going to be on the scenic road? What's the impact going to be on the beauty of Binney Park?"

She also suggested the commission postpone their decision until they see more renderings of what the bridge and its stonework will look like.

"Until we have those drawings," Baker said, "it's very difficult to make any decision here...the devil is in the details."

The town's Conservation Commission was also scheduled to discuss the project and send comments to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The application was ultimately left open and Alban said they would discuss the project further with Michel at a later meeting.