Temporary Bridge Plan Stalls As Suffield Street Remains Closed

SUFFIELD, CT — An effort to install a temporary bridge on Suffield Street did not move forward, leaving the road closed near the Windsor Locks town line with no reopening date.

First Selectman Colin Moll and Public Works Director Lee Corbert asked the Board of Selectmen to consider waiving the town's bidding and purchasing policy to hire a temporary bridge contractor.

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After discussing the request Sept. 16, selectmen determined they were not prepared to waive the policy. No action was taken, according to meeting minutes.

The minutes do not identify the contractor, estimated cost or how quickly a temporary crossing could have been installed.

Suffield Street is closed to through traffic because of structural failures in the culvert. The closure begins at Mather Street for southbound drivers and at the Suffield-Windsor Locks town line for northbound traffic.

Vehicles cannot cross the closed section and must follow the posted detour, according to a notice from the town.

Officials said the town is working to rebuild the culvert and reopen the road as soon as possible. A construction schedule and estimated reopening date have not been announced.

The Board of Selectmen's next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 7.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.