Community Corner
Bridge Work In Vernon Prompting Major Summertime Detour
Replacement work for the bridge on Dart Hill Road that spans the Hockanum River is to begin this week.
VERNON, CT — The project to replace the old bridge over the Hockanum River on Dart Hill Road in Vernon is on tap to begin this week. Signs were posted at the site, though work was slow to commence Tuesday, the posted first day of construction.
Plans outline a complete closure of the bridge and a detour for the duration of the summer. The plans call for a complete replacement of the bridge, which means Dart Hill Road will be closed for the construction period, Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said.
When a detour is put in place, traffic that normally travels on Dart Hill Road will be sent to Windsorville Road (Route 74). Eastbound traffic will go north on Skinner Road to Windsorville Road and westbound traffic will go north on Route 83 to Windsorville Road.
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After being replaced, the bridge will be "up to 21st century standards," Champagne said.
Once construction begins, Vernon's emergency services leaders have developed plans to ensure a timely response to homes and businesses west of the bridge, officials said.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be administering federal funds totaling $1,333,200 for the project under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
Vernon's cost-share is estimated to be $400,000, covering the bridge replacement design and project administration costs.
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The town's funding application was submitted through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.
The project was initially slated to take place from June to September 2021, but a myriad of delays pushed it back, officials said. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, Champagne said, because it gave the town time to complete a sidewalk project from Rockville High School to the bridge.
When the bridge is finished, Vernon will have "safe sidewalks" from the high school to Skinner Road School, Champagne said. The new bridge will feature a wider, safer sidewalk, he said.
Drivers are being encouraged to use the detour immediately with work set to start as soon as crews assemble.
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