Prepare for a West Side detour. The city is undertaking a six-month bridge replacement over the Rooster River starting April 1. The approximate cost of the project including construction and inspection is $850,000, according to City Engineer Jon Urquidi. The State of Connecticut is providing approximately 33 percent funding through the State Local Bridge Program. The remaining portion is covered through the city’s Capital Plan.
News release from mayor’s office:
The City of Bridgeport today is alerting residents of repairs to the Capital Avenue Bridge over Rooster River that will temporarily close Capital Avenue from Laurel Avenue to Wood Avenue for six months beginning April 1, 2017. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing deteriorated Capital Avenue Bridge with a new structure that has low initial and life-cycle costs, minimizes the impacts to local residents, and requires minimal maintenance for the City.
The project will take approximately six months to complete which includes removal of the current structure, heavy construction, site cleanup, and miscellaneous work. A closed road detour around the neighboring streets will be utilized during the construction of the bridge. Laurel Avenue on the west and Wood Avenue on the east will be utilized to redirect local traffic around the site by means of Cleveland Avenue. Access will be provided to all abutting property owners at all times during construction.
The Capital Avenue Bridge was built nearly 100 years ago. The normal life span of a bridge is 70-75 years. The overall structure is in poor condition having significant distress or deterioration to its primary components. The existing bridge also lacks adequate safety measures for vehicular traffic.
Bridges are inspected annually or bi-annually. Inspection summaries provide a detailed condition assessment of the bridge in need for repair or replacement. Bridgeport has more than 30 bridges within the city and replaces on average one bridge every one or two years. In this case, the condition of the bridge dictates that replacement is the only option.
The proposed work includes removing the existing structure to its foundation and constructing a 20-foot span structure that is supported on abutments located behind the existing foundation. This approach allows for the replacement of the bridge with minimal impacts to the surrounding environment. The proposed bridge will utilize concrete formliner to create an aesthetically pleasing structure for the community.
More political bullshit trying to buy white votes for the next election. What about the Congress Street Bridge? Oh that’s right, it just opens up an easier path for Puerto Ricans and blacks.
Andy, sad but true and the Congress Street Bridge will never work again.
When they replace these it upsets the ecosystem, disturbs the culture of the established soil inviting invasive non-native species of plants. Weeds, especially Japanese Knotweed grows 12′ high and invades the whole area.
Do you think they will address this problem?
One would think to replace the Congress Street bridge the cost would be greatly reduced because the bridge no longer has to open and close.