SOUTHWICK – The Southwick DPW (Department of Public Works) is reminding the community about an upcoming road closure for next week. On Monday August 6, North Loomis Street will be blocked from oncoming thru traffic due to the construction of the Shurtleff Brook Bridge.
According to DPW Director Randy Brown, North Loomis Street will be closed for thru traffic for at least two or three weeks until the construction is complete. Brown added that local traffic will have access to the road but anyone attempting to go through the Shurtleff Brook Bridge and onto Granville Road will be blocked from travelling that route.
The DPW wants to make sure that the public knows about the road closure since North Loomis Street is regarded as a heavily traveled road in Southwick.
“We want to make sure that people are aware so that they can plan accordingly,” said Brown.
North Loomis Street had been closed from July 30 until August 1 in order for the contractor to begin the project.
North Loomis Street will be closed for oncoming traffic beginning on August 6 due to the Shurtleff Brook Bridge project. (WNG File Photo)
The Shurtleff Brook Bridge project consists of replacing a 100-year old bridge that is 16 ft. long and 20 ft. wide with a new structure that will be 19 ft. long and 32 ft. wide. The project also includes realigning and widening the road as well as having the proper accommodation for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Last March, the town received a $500,000 grant from Mass DOT’s Municipal Small Bridge Program. Mass DOT accepts bridges into the program that are municipally owned, 10 to 20 feet in length, and are being replaced or trying to be preserved.
In December of 2017, the Select Board signed off on the $116,000 contract for Gill Engineering to do the engineering portion of the project.
Brown also pointed out that another $325,000 will be used towards the project as that money was approved by the town at the last annual town meeting.
The Southwick DPW is also notifying the community that the schedule for the road closure could change due to the weather or any unforeseen circumstances. Updates will continue to be posted on the Town of Southwick website.
