Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee

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Christie Announces Cribari Bridge Committee

Posted on November 9, 2026 | 8 comments

Westport’s Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee has been formed.

This morning, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie announced the names of 7 members: Ward French (chair), Paul Davis, David Keeton, David Stone, Joe Strickland, Ian Warburg and Larry Weisman.

Melissa Levy, chair of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee and its Cribari Bridge Subcommittee, will serve as a non-voting ex officio member.

The group will advise Christie on the town’s participation in the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s process for renovating or replacing the 142-year-old Saugatuck River span.

Their charge includes:

Reviewing project information prepared by DOT, the Federal Highway Administration, the town, consultants, and other subject matter experts.
Identifying issues requiring clarification or further analysis.
Considering community input and technical expertise.
Evaluating the benefits, impacts and tradeoffs associated with the Project.
Providing fact-based recommendations to the 1st Selectman to inform the Town’s participation in the DOT process.

Cribari Bridge.

The committee’s formation comes just prior to 2 important meetings. Tonight (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom), the RTM Transit Committee and Cribari Bridge Subcommitte meet.

They’ll prepare for Thursday’s public session (November 12, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), where the CTDOT is expected to present its recommended next steps.

A press release from the selectman’s office says “the committee brings together experience in structural engineering, architecture, historic preservation, environmental conservation, land use, strategic planning and municipal governance, providing a range of perspectives to evaluate the project’s benefits, impacts and tradeoffs.”

Christie said, “The Cribari Bridge is an important connection for Westport, and its future has significant implications for public safety, traffic, and surrounding neighborhoods.

“In ongoing conversations with DOT, I’ve consistently emphasized safety, including the importance of limiting large through-truck traffic and protecting surrounding neighborhoods, and I appreciate their willingness to listen and engage with the Town.

“My priority for Westport is a safe, reliable solution that addresses the community’s concerns while ensuring this important project can move forward.

“With this committee, I’ve brought together experienced residents who will examine the information, ask thoughtful questions, and provide independent, fact-based recommendations as we continue working with DOT. The bridge’s future matters deeply to many Westport residents, and I welcome their continued involvement and perspectives as we work toward a solution.”

The committee’s responsibilities include reviewing technical and project information, identifying issues requiring clarification or further analysis, considering community input and technical expertise, and providing recommendations to the 1st Selectman.

The committee will report to the First Selectman, and serve in an advisory capacity. The committee’s charge, and more information, is available on the Town’s website.

8 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

Tagged 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Cribari Bridge, Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee, Ward French

Christie Forms Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 4 comments

Last month — before and during the state Department of Transportation public hearing on the future of the Cribari Bridge — residents and Representative Town Meeting members urged 1st Selectman Kevin Christie to form an advisory group.

Today, he did just that.

Christie said that a new Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee would “support the town’s ongoing engagement with the DOT as the state-led process moves forward.”

He did not announce names of committee members, or indicate when and how they would be appointed.

The first selectman noted, “the well-attended public hearing reflected strong community interest and underscored the complexity of the issues involved.

“Traffic, safety, neighborhood impact, historic and neighborhood context, and long-term fiscal responsibility are all legitimate concerns that deserve to be evaluated carefully and in an informed way.”

Residents packed Town Hall for last month’s Department of Transportation public meeting. (Photo/Dan Woog)

While state officials have identified a “preferred option” for the bridge, no final decision has been made. The environmental review process remains open.

Christie said, “the Advisory Committee will bring together technical expertise and community perspectives to help keep Westport’s input grounded in facts and reflective of community priorities. It will evaluate options for the bridge, including structural and design considerations, in the context of community impact, funding implications, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.”

The Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the First Selectman.

However, he noted, “the Advisory Committee will not replace the formal state process or make a final decision on the project. Its role is to support the town’s engagement with DOT by providing a structured forum for coordination, analysis, and public input, with a focus on outcomes that serve Westport’s long-term interests.

“Westport has a real stake in this project for our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our fiscal future. This Advisory Committee will build on the Town’s discussions with the DOT by grounding decisions in facts, incorporating community input, and identifying solutions that work for Westport.”

The public comment period on the DOT’s Environmental Assessment is open through April 17. Comments can be submitted online, by email to James.Barrows@ct.gov, or by mail to James Barrows, P.O. Box 317546, Newington CT 06131-7546. Reference Project No. 0158-0214.