Did you know that the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is currently planning a reconstruction of the bridge on Chestnut Hill Road across from the transfer station? Here is the text of a correspondence that took place recently with the PARE engineering firm who is the conteact for the project.
What is the anticipated duration of the project?
Construction is anticipated to take about 1½ years beginning in Spring 2010, pending available funding.
Will a temporary bridge be constructed for those of us who need to access Rte. 44 for a commute?
The bridge will be closed to traffic during construction. Signs will detour traffic via Pine Orchard Road and Route 44. If advertised in Fall 2009, the bridge closure is anticipated to last from Spring 2010 to late Fall 2010. There is insufficient room beside the bridge to construct a temporary bridge for use during construction.
Will there be an reconfiguration of the spillway/ gatehouse on Smith and Sayles Reservoir?
The spillway will be reconstructed. It will be relocated approximately 8 feet to the south from it's current location to bring it out from under the bridge. The low-level outlet gate will not be modified, but the downstream end of the outlet pipe will be uncovered and reset.
What are your thoughts about the bridge reconstruction? How will it affect your life? Do you feel it is a good idea to reconstruct this bridge, and, if so, why?
As always, we welcome comments of all kinds to this blog. Your voice is important for us in Chepachet to establish a dialogue which all interested members are invited to share.
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This planned bridge construction clearly has implications for those of us who live around Smith and Sayles. I'd like to know more about the rationale for the reconstruction and the claim that there is no room for a temporary bridge.
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