Westport’s Historic District Commission has voted unanimously to accept a report documenting the historical significance of the Bridge Street (aka William F. Cribari) swing bridge. The commission recommends designating it as a Local Historic District.
That starts the clock ticking on a series of actions: public hearings, state review and more. This happens at the same time as discussions on renovation, rehabilitation or replacement of the 1884 structure, believed to be the oldest active pin-connected swing truss highway bridge in the nation.
One of the most important upcoming events is Wednesday, June 15 (Town Hall auditorium). The Connecticut Department of Transportation holds a public meeting to discuss findings of its Rehabilitation Study Report. The formal presentation begins at 7 p.m., An open forum for individual discussion with DOT officials precedes it, at 6:30 p.m.
First Selectman Jim Marpe says the report will address questions related to the bridge’s structural and functional deficiencies, possible alternatives and costs.
(To read the full — and fascinating — historic district study report, click here. The complete DOT report will be available June 1 at www.ct.gov/dot/cribari-bridge. Copies will also be available at the June 15 Town Hall meeting.)
Westport artist Robert Lambdin’s “Saugatuck in the 19th Century” (1969) prominently featured the swing bridge.