Work Intensifying To Get Vernon's Dart Hill Bridge Open In November

VERNON, CT — Work is speeding up at a high rate to get the Dart Hill Bridge open by sometime next month, Vernon officials said Wednesday.

Vernon municipal officials, Eversource Energy and contractor New England Road, Inc. are "working together" to address construction delays associated with the Dart Hill Road bridge replacement project, according to a Wednesday announcement.

Work on the project began in May and was expected to be completed by the fall. Delays caused by unexpected
"site and environmental conditions" as well as material and supply chain "constraints" threw the project off
schedule and could have required the existing detour to continue through the winter and into the spring. That
has been prevented, officials said Wednesday.

The detour sends motorists to Windsorville Road and the Five-Corners Rotary.

"We scheduled this project to be competed in one construction season because we knew the detour would be
a significant inconvenience for area residents," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "I directed town staff to
work closely with the construction team to accelerate the work schedule."

Vernon Schools Superintendent Joseph Macary said Dart Hill Road is a "main route" for school buses and
students walking to school. In all, eight bus routes are effected between Skinner Road School, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School, he said when the school year began.

"We're thankful for the Mayor’s determination and the construction team's commitment to get the bridge open," Macary said.

Construction crews are expected to work longer days and on weekends to achieve the accelerated schedule,
which calls for the bridge to open to traffic by the end of November, officials said.

"Eversource and New England Road are taking steps to accelerate their work and to prevent additional delays,"
Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "Both companies are working collaboratively with the Town and are
demonstrating that they are responsible corporate citizens."

A gas line was one issue, officials said.

"We're happy to work with the town of Vernon on this important project, which will greatly benefit residents
with a new bridge and upgraded natural gas lines that will enhance system reliability," Eversource Vice
President of Gas Operations Kevin Kelley said. "We appreciate the continued partnership and collaboration with
Vernon town leaders and local customers."

The bridge spans the Hockanum River on Dart Hill Road, just south of the Skinner Road intersection.

Town Engineer David Smith said both companies are working hard to keep the project as close to schedule as
possible.

"The construction team is putting forward an exceptional effort to try and recapture some of the lost days, and
has been extremely cooperative in maximizing efficient execution of the remaining work," Smith said.

Finishing work, like drainage improvements, grading of the approaches, final pavement installation, signage
and traffic markings, will be completed in the spring, Purcaro said.