Westport Moves Ahead With Jesup Road Bridge Replacement After Flood Damage

WESTPORT, CT — Westport is moving ahead with an expedited process to replace the Jesup Road Bridge at Imperial Avenue after the bridge sustained significant structural damage during Sept. 13 flooding.

The bridge remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians.

The Department of Public Works issued a request for proposals for engineering and design services for the replacement bridge. The work would include surveys, hydraulic analysis, environmental review, design, permitting and bid support.

Proposals are due Oct. 28. The town plans to select a design team and begin work as soon as possible after the procurement process.

"We recognize the importance of restoring this connection as quickly as responsibly possible," First Selectman Kevin Christie said in a statement. "We are moving engineering, permitting and funding forward in parallel wherever possible, with a focus on delivering a replacement that is safe and more resilient."

Public Works Director Larry Roberts said the replacement bridge needs to account for larger storms and current hydraulic conditions.

"The replacement needs to be designed for the larger storm events and hydraulic conditions we are experiencing today," Roberts said. "By coordinating engineering, permitting and agency review from the beginning, we can work to shorten the overall project schedule while ensuring the new bridge is designed appropriately for the site."

Since the Sept. 13 storm, Westport officials have been working with federal, state and regional partners to identify ways to expedite the project and pursue available funding.

That work has included coordination with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on permitting, including possible emergency or expedited processes. The town said the effort is intended to allow permitting requirements to be incorporated into engineering work from the beginning.

Officials are also evaluating whether a temporary bridge or another interim access option could safely restore the connection while work on a permanent replacement proceeds. The town is considering whether such an investment would be financially prudent.

Emergency medical services conducted test routes under emergency conditions and found the bridge closure does not significantly affect response times, according to the town. Police officers and firefighters, who are also first responders, typically arrive at emergencies before an ambulance, the town said.

Officials are monitoring traffic patterns during the closure and considering possible changes to improve traffic flow and access.

The Board of Finance is scheduled to consider a $172,500 appropriation for design and permitting on Oct. 7.

The Representative Town Meeting's Finance, Public Works and Transit committees voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the appropriation to the full RTM, subject to Board of Finance approval. The full RTM could consider the funding at a special meeting before its regularly scheduled November meeting.

Town officials said they will provide updates as the project progresses, including information about design, permitting, interim access options, funding and the anticipated construction schedule.