Town officials are moving ahead on a replacement for the Jesup Road bridge. The small span — an important link between police headquarters, the Library and Levitt Pavilion, and Imperial Avenue — has been closed since the September 13 rain bomb.
Bids on a replacement design will be received through 11 a.m. October 28, at the Town Hall finance office (room 313). The Request for Proposal covers engineering and design services for the replacement bridge, including surveys, hydraulic analysis, environmental review, design, permitting and bid support.
Copies of the RFP documents may be obtained by downloading from the Town’s website.
Bids will be opened at 11:30 a.m. that same day, via Zoom. Interested parties may apply for access by emailing bwatson@westportct.gov.
This is the Jesup Road bridge that must be replaced. (Photo/Susan Teicher)
“We recognize the importance of restoring this connection as quickly as responsibly possible,” says 1st Selectman Kevin Christe.
“We are moving engineering, permitting and funding forward in parallel wherever possible, with a focus on delivering a replacement that is safe and more resilient.”
Public Works Director Larry Roberts adds, “The replacement needs to be designed for the larger storm events and hydraulic conditions we are experiencing today.
“By coordinating engineering, permitting and agency review from the beginning, we can work to shorten the overall project schedule while ensuring the new bridge is designed appropriately for the site.”
The underside of the damaged Jesup Road bridge.
Since the September 13 storm, the town has worked with federal, state and regional partners to identify opportunities to expedite the replacement and pursue available funding.
Town officials are also evaluating whether a temporary bridge or other interim access solution could safely and responsibly restore the connection while the permanent replacement moves forward, including whether such an investment would be financially prudent.
Officials say that Emergency Medical Services conducted test routes under emergency conditions, and found that the bridge closure does not significantly affect response times.
The town is monitoring traffic patterns, and evaluating potential adjustments to improve traffic flow and access while the bridge remains closed.
The Board of Finance will consider a $172,500 appropriation for design and permitting on October 7. Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Finance, Public Works and Transit committees voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the appropriation to the full RTM, subject to Board of Finance approval.
The full RTM could then consider it at a special meeting before its regularly scheduled November meeting.
