Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) announced the Department of Transportation will conduct a digital public information meeting regarding the planned 2022 rehabilitation of a major Westbrook bridge on Thursday, September 3 at 5:30 p.m. The public hearing will see DOT professionals explain the requirements of the project, namely the poor condition of the existing bridge deck, and detail the planned 10-week project lifespan to come.
According to its most recent inspection report from September 2019, Bridge 00230 in Westbrook, more commonly known as the bridge carrying Willard Avenue over Interstate 95 in Westbrook, is in poor condition and has significant erosion of its deck, with further structural repairs and beam painting needed to rehabilitate existing steel girders in fair condition. The extensive damage will require a full deck replacement with full beam painting; there will be a 10-week road closure and associated detour in the summer of 2022 to complete the project.
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in the spring of 2022 depending on available funding, acquisition of rights of way and approval of permits. Estimated construction cost is $5 million, with $4 million coming from federal funds.
The digital public hearing will be livestreamed via Microsoft Teams and Youtube Live, with a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. The presentation will additionally be recorded. Members of the public are encouraged to log in online; people with limited internet access can request project information by mail by emailing visit this link.