BERLIN — A bridge on Glen Street over the Mattabesset River will be replaced beginning this spring, a project town officials say is needed because of the structure’s condition.
Public Works Director Mike Ahern said the bridge needs to be replaced after earlier repairs were made to keep it safe.
“Its condition is the primary reason for the replacement project,” Ahern told the Herald. “One half of the bridge required emergency repairs in 2022 to stabilize the flow path through the metal culvert section until the full project was designed and bid.”
Construction is expected to begin in April. During most of the construction period, Glen Street will be closed to through traffic. Drivers will be directed to use detours around the area.
“The work on the bridge will begin in mid-April and be substantially complete by the end of 2026,” Ahern said. “The detour will be in place for almost the entire construction period.”
Local drivers will be able to use nearby roads and emergency responders will plan routes using the detour map provided by the town.
According to project documents filed with the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, the existing bridge will be removed and replaced with a twin pre-cast concrete box culvert system designed to improve drainage and reduce flooding risk.
The project calls for a northerly 20-foot-span culvert with an 8-foot rise and a southerly 20-foot-span culvert with a 5.5-foot rise, serving as an overflow opening.
The new structure will also improve the roadway. Plans call for a minimum roadway width of 29 feet, including two 12-foot travel lanes and a 5-foot shoulder. The bridge will include a metal rail system that meets current safety standards.
Officials say the improvements are expected to prevent flooding on roadways during major storms. The design will also provide additional space between stormwater levels and the bridge structure during a 100-year storm event.
In the weeks leading up to construction, residents may notice several types of preparation work in the area.
“Tree removal started last week,” Ahern said.
Additional early work will include surveying, utility mark-outs, installation of detour signs and the arrival of contractor equipment and materials.
The project is located in a residential neighborhood. Nearby residents will likely notice daytime construction activity once work begins. Demolition of the existing bridge and excavation for the new structure may create noise and increased truck traffic in the area.
Funding for the project comes primarily from federal and state sources, Ahern said.
“This is being funded under the Federal Local Bridge Program administered by the CT Department of Transportation,” he added.
Under the program, the project will be paid for through a reimbursement process with 80% federal funding and 20% state funding.