Yesterday’s statement by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — requesting that the state withdraw funding for final design and construction projects related to the William F. Cribari (Bridge Street) Bridge — shined a spotlight on the 133-year-old span.
Along with the cannons and Minute Man monument, it’s one of Westport’s most treasured — and photographed — icons.
Here is another (video) view of the Saugatuck mainstay. It shows the swing bridge as it opens.
The time-lapse was shot last August by longtime Westporter Tom Feeley. He’s a proud Staples High School Class of 1987 graduate, and looks forward to this weekend’s 30th reunion. It’s set for the Saugatuck Rowing Club — right near the bridge.
Here’s another video from John Hartwell. It shows another bridge nearby — the Saugatuck railroad bridge. It too opens. This was shot in July 2015.
Despite Marpe’s statement, the next steps in the bridge’s long history have not yet been determined.
The Greens Farms Association applauds the statement and position taken by First Selectman, Jim Marpe. We hope the town administration continues to push the state for preservation and appropriate repairs. The Westport Preservation Alliance is doing great work and we thank them for their efforts.
Just a side note – the second video is the Metro North bridge, not the Cribari bridge!
Art Schoeller
President
Greens Farms Association
WOAH!!! I never knew the train bridge opened like that! how cool!
Dan the first is the Bridge St Bridge The second is the Rail Road Bridge
Two different bridges both with their unique challanges
Of course. Clearly I hadn’t had my first cup of coffee. I have revised the story to reflect that these are 2 different bridges!
Couldn’t help but chuckle at 3:21-3:24 of the second video!
That was pretty funny! The sledgehammers, not so much.
Since the railroad bridge also will need to be replaced, it is fair to ask whether either still needs to open. As the Walk Bridge replacement marches towards a billion dollars, that one too.
I like Jim Marpe. I think he’s caring, energetic guy who truly cares about Westport. That said, I believe something more dramatic than repairing the bridge is what is needed. Westport’s charm will remain even with a new bridge. And I confess I get more than a little antsy going over rust pot every day.
It’s not about the aesthetics of the bridge, that’s easy to replicate. But any major upgrade will include the ability for 18 wheelers to navigate it, so every time I95 is backed up – which is every weekday during the morning rush, and a lot of other times every time there’s an accident – there will be a line of truckers down Greens Farms Road, across the Bridge, and navigating the narrow streets of Saugatuck on their way from Exit 18 to Exit 17, and that will do irreparable harm to Westport’s charm.