Plans to replace Perry Hill Road Extension bridge in Westhampton move ahead, public hearing on Tuesday

By EMILY THURLOW

Staff Writer

Published: 01-27-2023 6:06 PM

WESTHAMPTON — State transportation officials are moving ahead with a plan to replace a structurally deficient bridge at Perry Hill Road Extension, which spans over the north branch of the Manhan River.

The single-lane bridge was built in 1956 and consists of a single span steel beam with a reinforced concrete slab and gravel wearing surface.

“The bridge has been deemed structurally deficient by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and has been prioritized for replacement,” said Doug Finn, administrative assistant for the town. “The project will improve the bridge crossing to make it more stable, resilient to high water and less impactful to the ecology in the area.”

The state Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing on Tuesday to present the design for the proposed bridge replacement. The hearing will give residents a chance to weigh in on the proposed project, which is currently in the 25% design phase. The hearing starts at 6:30 p.m. To attend the hearing, visit www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.

Comments will be taken into consideration in the determination of the final design, according to a letter from Carrie E. Lavallee, deputy administrator and acting chief engineer for MassDOT.

“We recognize that road and bridge construction can create inconveniences for the public. MassDOT places a great deal of emphasis on minimizing temporary disruptive effects of construction,” the letter states.

The purpose of the project is to replace the bridge with a new three-sided precast concrete culvert capable of carrying standard highway loadings, according to the plans.

MassDOT has proposed to widen the curb to curb width from 13 feet to 15 feet.

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Existing abutments will be demolished in an effort to align the river for optimal flow upstream and downstream of the river.

Plans do not include the creation of a sidewalk across the new bridge or on any approach roadway sections. The roadway profile will be raised about 6 inches over the bridge and will tie into existing grades at the project limits.

No permanent easement or takings are anticipated to replace the bridge structure for this bridge project, said Finn.

This project is slated to be funded through the 2025 Transportation Improvement Program for the Pioneer Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The estimated preliminary construction cost of this project is $750,000 exclusive right-of-way costs.

The project is proposed to be constructed in one stage with a complete closure of the bridge, which is estimated to begin in spring 2025.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be detoured during the construction period.

Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.]]>