Between Long Lots Elementary School and Parker Harding Plaza, there hasn’t been much discussion lately on the future of the William F. Cribari Bridge.
But the 135-year-old swing span — historic, beloved, quirky, narrow — is not getting any younger.
William F. Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The state Department of Transportation has spent several years studying the bridge, and planning its replacement. Any new one — if built with state and/or federal funds, that is — would have to meet current standards.
That would probably mean a bigger, wider structure. Meaning: One large enough to accommodate trucks coming off I-95.
Sources say that an environmental assessment is being prepared, though by a different company than originally hired.
The belief is that DOT will recommend replacing — rather than renovating — the existing bridge (which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
A long-ago trolley travels over the Cribari Bridge.
There is no new information on the state DOT website. The latest “news” was posted in 2019.
“06880” asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who sits on the Transportation Committee, for a status update. He says:
It goes without saying, with each passing day, it deteriorates further. I don’t know the current status of the supporting piers, but I’d hope that DOT is monitoring and would let us know if it was approaching dangerous condition. And it’s fair to wonder why Westporters tolerate a structure so decrepit looking. Hardly a Westport icon!
In my last casual conversation with my contact at DOT, some months ago, she more or less confirmed their strategy of waiting for the town to respond to the options they put on the table now years ago. DOT sees little benefit in pushing hard for resolution without any partner in town government — at least as long as the bridge remains safe.
Cribari Bridge, looking west. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
In my opinion, our de facto plan to ignore the problem and avoid controversy is yielding to a vocal minority and risking a genuine traffic crisis should that bridge go out of commission for an extended period. Isn’t crossing the river in Westport challenging enough without losing a crossing point?
I believe we can talk through our concerns — such as keeping 18-wheelers from using the bridge — and come up with a satisfactory plan which preserves the bridge’s character while making it safe — actually safer (wider) — for the long hall. Remember: even if we had a plan today, it will take years to implement the fixes, perhaps including a temporary bridge.
So I can’t illuminate current status for you. Ultimately, the first selectwoman bears responsibility for communicating with DOT the town’s preferences and seeking resolution.
I just hope we don’t see a headline to your column reading: “Cribari Bridge closed indefinitely; Westport traffic grinds to a halt.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “The issue still sits with the state. I’m asking for an update from them. I’ll with you when I hear from them.”
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It’s an important snapshot. The non-profit — formed last year by Markus Marty and Peter Gold, with help from Adam Ganser — got responses from 1,596 residents last fall.
