Bridge Connecting Lantern Lane and Conservation Land to be Inspected

When the Conservation Commission was notified last month of a bridge that had seemingly been built without permit at the end of Lantern Lane, connecting the street with town conservation land, they were unsure of whether the bridge would have to be removed or not. 

At their last meeting, the Conservation Commission decided to have the bridge inspected in order to determine what repairs the bridge would need for it to remain in place. 

Conservation Commission Administrator Elizabeth Bagdonas said the inspection will come before this winter, along with a decision on the fate of the bridge. 

Bagdonas said the inspection will look at the stability and design of the bridge in determining if the structure is safe enough to leave in place.

This decision comes after the Conservation Commission attempted to contact the person who built the bridge and put it at the end of Lantern Lane without seeking the appropriate permitting from the Town. 

"The owner was given every opportunity to take it back," Bagdonas said.

Director of the Department of Public Works Richard Warrington said he believes the bridge was put there by someone from the neighborhood who wanted access to the town conservation land located at the end of Lantern Lane. 

"We don't know who put it there," Warrington said. "I'm sure it was several well-meaning folks who saw the value in using the conservation land."

Warrington said he believes that following the bridge's inspection, a conclusion to leave the bridge where it is will be reached. 

"We want to make sure it's okay and that it's safe," Warrington said. "I am very hopeful of that outcome."