Nine prominent Westporters — longtime contributors in local government, real estate and law — firmly believe that the William F. Cribari Bridge in Saugatuck should be replaced.
Lawrence Weisman, Ken Bernhard, Ross Burkhardt, Ron Corwin, Michael Dinshaw, Marcia Falk, Roger Leifer, Mike Nayor and Denise Torve have — among other things — served in the Connecticut legislature, and on the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
They wrote to the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, which is taking public comments for the Connecticut DOT:
As long time Westport residents we would like to comment, for ourselves and for many of our neighbors and friends, on the state Department of Transportation’s plan to improve the Cribari Bridge.
The immediate question is whether to restore or replace the existing structure. After carefully examining the issue, we strongly favor the replacement option.
The William F. Cribari Bridge … (Photo/Nancy Lally)
The Cribari Bridge plays a critical role in maintaining traffic flow in the congested Saugatuck area of Westport. Its importance cannot be overstated. It is one of only 3 vehicular crossings of the Saugatuck River in Westport, and for many it provides the closest access to the railway station, Norwalk Hospital and the interchanges with I-95.
In the not too distant future, 2 significant projects will place additional stress on the Cribari Bridge. It will become the primary river crossing for 2 large new developments in Saugatuck area — the Hamlet (a large hotel, office, retail and housing project) and the soon-to-be-completed development on Hiawatha Lane comprising approximately 150 residences.
In addition, the Saugatuck River is scheduled to be dredged, which when completed will result in increased boat traffic, particularly during the summer months when Westport is most congested.
If the bridge remains as is, large boats passing through the Saugatuck area will need the bridge to be opened, bringing all vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic to a stand still for considerable periods of time.
Opening the Cribari Bridge.
Traffic flow in and around the Saugatuck area is already poor and, as noted, will inevitably become worse. Even now, at times, the congestion and lack of alternative routing is dangerous.
It is imperative that the Cribari Bridge be replaced with a more appropriate design so that it can better handle vehicular traffic of every kind, and provide safer pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The arguments for opposing replacement of the bridge were once understandable, but they are no longer persuasive. The existing bridge has served its purpose. But now its limited size and proportions do not accommodate the long-term safety and capacity needs of our community.
The Saugatuck side of the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Consider the following facts about the bridge as it exists today:
* The deteriorating condition of the bridge has led to the imposition of weight restrictions, threatening its use by school buses, fire engines, snowplows, and the like.
* The bridge will not be able to accommodate the increasing use of the structure by pedestrians and bicyclists.
* The clearance between the bottom of the bridge and the river’s height at high tide is minimal for boat traffic.
* The width of the lanes is inadequate for today’s larger automobiles.
* The bridge frequently gets stuck in the open position. Even when operational, it takes 25 minutes to open and close, causing untenable backups and delay.
* At the 2 other Westport bridges crossing the Saugatuck River (the Post Road and Kings Highway North), where traffic congestion is notable, new development is being constructed, making the Cribari Bridge an even more important traffic relief point.
The Cribari Bridge is one of 3 bridges connecting both sides of the Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
One of the principal arguments against replacing the bridge is an apprehension that a larger bridge will attract unwelcome truck traffic. That concern can be managed and discouraged in any number of ways.
For example, the bridge could be designed with limitations on height. Additionally, the town and state can place truck restrictions on the feeder roads (Greens Farms Road, Imperial Avenue and Bridge Street) and on state Route 136, as has been done in Westport north of Coleytown Elementary School, in Darien, and in the section of Norwalk adjacent to Rowayton.
A second argument made for restoring the existing bridge, rather than replacing it, is the perception that the existing bridge has historic and aesthetic value.
While we naturally share the desire to preserve Westport’s past, in this instance we think that the need for safety and efficiency far outweighs any historic considerations.
Regarding aesthetics, Westport can rightfully insist that it should have a voice in the design of the bridge to include appropriate decorative elements such as lighting fixtures and structural enhancements, to make the new Cribari Bridge attractive.
The Cribari swing bridge is over 130 years old. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
When the town of Westport twice had the opportunity to improve the intersection of Route 33 and US 1 (Riverside Avenue and the Post Road), it failed to act.
The DOT now rates it as one of the worst functioning intersections in the state. Let’s not make a similar mistake again.
In conclusion, for the reasons stated and with an eye toward the future, we strongly support replacement of the Cribari Bridge with a modern structure that will serve Westport’s needs now and in the years to come.
To do anything less would be irresponsible.
Lawrence Weisman
Ken Bernhard
Co-authors:
Ross Burkhardt
Ron Corwin
Michael Dinshaw
Marcia Falk
Roger Leifer
Mike Nayor
Denise Torve
(Residents can send comments on the Cribari Bridge to plan@westcog.org. The deadline is April 1.)
