Vernon Getting 'Significant' Grant To Fund Bridge Replacement

VERNON, CT — Vernon is getting what municipal officials are calling "a significant financial commitment" from government sources to fund the replacement of the Dart Hill Road Bridge over the Hockanum River.

Mayor Daniel Champagne on Wednesday said the Connecticut Department of Transportation will be administering federal funds tataling $1,333,200 for the project under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, or LOTCIP.

Vernon’s cost-share is estimated to be $400,000, covering the bridge replacement design and project administration costs.

The Town’s funding application was submitted through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.

"LOTCIP funding provides our community with a great opportunity to accomplish needed transportation infrastructure projects like the replacement of the Dart Hill Road Bridge," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "Our partnership with the Capitol Region Council of Governments and the use of LOTCIP funding will enable the Town to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on this project."

Originally built in 1932, the Dart Hill Road Bridge accommodates about 11,000 vehicle trips daily. As part of a regular two-year inspection cycle, a DOT team noted that the bridge needed to be reconstructed "to meet modern standards and to accommodate the high traffic volume currently on the road."

The firm of Milone and MacBroom of Cheshire, will serve as the town’s design engineering consultant.

The design phase of the project is anticipated to conclude by December of 2019. An accelerated construction schedule is planned for the Spring of 2020 and the bridge will be returned to service by the Fall of 2020 under the plan.

During construction, the bridge will be out of service and traffic will be detoured.

"Considerable efficiencies and safety measures will be gained by isolating the construction area from traffic, ultimately reducing the overall project duration and allowing the finished structure to be brought into service sooner," Town Engineer David Smith said. "Much like our recent work on the Pleasant View Drive Bridge, the town will move quickly to minimize the impact on our residents who live nearby, and on the commuters who use the Dart Hill Road Bridge. Our
Engineering and Public Works staff will be working closely with our design and construction firms to ensure that the project runs on schedule."

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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