SOUTHWICK – The town of Southwick sent out an application to the MassDOT’s Municipal Small Bridge Program back on Oct. 31, 2016.
On Dec. 30, MassDOT’s district office in Northampton responded that they have received the town’s application and it would be forwarded to the Boston office for further consideration.
The Municipal Small Bridge Program is important for Southwick as Shurtleff Brook on North Loomis St. is a deteriorating bridge in town that needs to be replaced.
DPW Director Randy Brown, who is working with the state in hopes of this bridge being accepted to MassDOT’s program, pointed out another major issue with the bridge.
“The bridge itself is narrow,” said Brown.
The bridge is narrow and can only accommodate one travel lane for vehicles. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
To be exact, the structure is 16 ft. long and 20 ft. wide. According to Brown, there is a significant need to replace the existing bridge so it can be widened. Currently, the bridge is narrow enough that only one car can pass through at a time.
The new bridge would be 19 ft. long and 32 ft. wide. The upgrade in size would be able to accommodate two travel lanes when passing through the bridge on North Loomis St.
Brown also spoke to the fact that North Loomis St. is a well-traveled road in Southwick. Fire and EMS vehicles from Southwick as well as Tolland, and Granville, pass through the Shurtleff Brook area frequently when it is a convenient route to their specific destination.
“It’s critical to keep that bridge open,” said Brown.
MassDOT informed the town of Southwick that the selections for the first round of projects would be decided at some time in January or February.
Brown noted that the town requested full funding in the MassDOT program, so a new bridge could be possible. The grant totals up to $825,000.
There is no guarantee that the project will happen but Brown is optimistic that their application will be highly considered.
“We’re very hopeful that’ll come to fruition.”
