Trees trimmed, work on bridge begins

CORNWALL — Work on the Lower River Road bridge replacement began this week. On Monday, Mohawk Northeast Inc. was moving equipment in to the site.Per its winning bid, the contractor estimates it will finish an improved version of the one-lane bridge by Nov. 14, well before the town engineer’s estimate of Dec. 10.The bridge was partially destroyed Aug. 28 by Tropical Storm Irene. It was determined that substantial footings should be part of a new bridge, which will be 9 feet longer.The selectmen met in a special meeting Oct. 13, in part to discuss the bridge project and keep it moving forward on a tight schedule. They heard public comment on designs as presented for stabilizing the Mill Brook streambed upstream of the bridge. Those details will be confirmed as the project proceeds.Residents at four homes on the dead-end road will soon be served by a temporary pedestrian bridge installed about 30 feet upstream. While the contractor’s approach is expected to be fast and effective, the selectmen will continue to deal with issues at the site, which is tucked in between the Housatonic River, private property and a piece of undeveloped land along the river of indeterminate ownership. It is believed to belong to Connecticut Light and Power. Some easements have been signed, utility lines moved and at least one tree removed. An old elm slated for trimming was found to have rotted roots and was cut down.The board will also seek funding and planning help to restore the “park” between Mill Brook and the Covered Bridge with new trees and bushes. It was suggested Elm Watch in North Canaan be contacted.

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