State Likely To Recommend Replacing Westport's Cribari Bridge

Westport CT

08 February, 2021

7:22 PM

Description

WESTPORT, CT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation is expected to recommend replacement of Westport's William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge in Saugatuck, according to First Selectman Jim Marpe. ConnDOT is expected to release an Environmental Assessment report with that recommendation in mid-March. Marpe received word from ConnDOT Deputy Commissioner Mark Rolfe that the department was wrapping up the report for release next month. Rolfe indicated to Marpe that the report's conclusion recommends replacing the bridge "with a new on-alignment structure which meets Federal Highway Administration standards rather than preserve the existing structure." The recommendation was one of five design alternatives that were developed by ConnDOT and the Cribari Bridge Project Advisory Committee in May 2019. Local efforts to preserve the historic metal bridge have been ongoing for years. A possible alternative to replacing the bridge with a new span would involve the town taking over ownership and maintenance, and the state re-configuring Route 136. This option remains a possibility, but the town would have to pay to operate, repair and maintain the bridge itself. Currently, state funding for preserving or replacing the bridge was removed from transportation improvement plans. Marpe's office will follow up with another announcement and recommendation after the environmental report is released.