Bridges are all over the Westport news. There’s the uncertain fate of the Bridge Street bridge, and the uncertain date — because work has apparently stopped forever — for finishing the North Avenue Merritt Parkway bridge.
Now a 3rd bridge has grabbed the attention of at least one Westporter.
Alert “06880” reader Jonathan McClure wondered what’s up with the Merritt’s Newtown Turnpike bridge. It’s been encased in wood for a while. He searched the web, but found no explanation.
The Merritt Parkway Newtown Turnpike bridge. (Photo/Jonathan McClure)
So he contacted the Merritt Parkway Conservancy. Executive director Jill Smyth replied that the state Department of Transportation had safety concerns about stones coming loose from the bridge. To protect drivers and preserve the exterior, DOT braced it with wood.
The Conservancy is working with DOT on repairs. Restoration of the bridge will begin in 2017.
2017! You know — the same year that work resumes on the North Avenue bridge.
The same bridge, before being encased in wood.