Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) representatives are scheduled to unveil the rehabilitation study report (RSR) of the historic Bridge Street Bridge on Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, town officials said today.
The William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge swings open for river traffic. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
The 1884-built bridge, formally known as the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge spanning the Saugatuck River, is Connecticut’s oldest, surviving, moveable, hand-cranked swing bridge and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was last refurbished in 1991, with the hand-crank requiring four people to operate upgraded to an electric motor.
“The RSR has been a much discussed topic over the past several months given the existing and proposed historic designation of the bridge,” said First Selectman Jim Marpe.
“I invite all Westporters and interested individuals to attend in order to understand the relevant facts from the engineers who have conducted the study,” Marpe said.
“I anticipate that the report will address questions related to the bridge’s structural and functional deficiencies, the criticality of the deficiencies, the alternatives studied and costs associated with each.
“We look forward to having these important questions answered, and to having the opportunity to discuss the report and the proposed project directly with DOT officials,” he added.
He said the complete RSR report will be available online June 1 at http://www.ct.gov/dot/cribari-bridge. Copies of the report will also be available at the Town Hall meeting.
See the Westport Historic Commission (HDC) report on the bridge here.
