Since the 1998 flood, the bridge abutment on the western side of the river has deteriorated and cracked; AOT previously recommended that the town repair the bridge by adding additional concrete.
The east side concrete was replaced in 1991; and according to department of public works director Barry Simpson, the western side could be treated in the same fashion.
Simpson said that replacing the concrete would make the bridge less likely to continue deteriorating but would deduct approximately 18 inches of space from the under passage of the bridge.
“Because of successive abutment replacements over the years, the passageway underneath the bridge has been narrowed by almost six feet; I would recommend, under the terms of this grant, removing the existing western abutment entirely and raise the bridge up to level, build a new western abutment about six feet further out and slide the bridge over onto it,” he said.
In addition, Simpson said, he’s proposing the construction of a ramp faced with stone that would serve as a river access for construction materials, equipment and recreational use.
The town is applying for a grant for the engineering that will determine the cost of the repairs and abutment replacement.
Transportation Enhancements (TE) activities are federally funded community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and environmental aspects of transportation infrastructure.
According to AOT, “The TE program operates under the belief that transportation funding should focus on more than just roads. TE projects can include creation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape improvements, refurbishment of historic transportation facilities and other investments that enhance communities and access. These projects are funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) via congressional surface transportation legislation.”
The funding program is on an annual cycle with applications for the 2012 round due in August of 2011. Unlike a typical grants program, funding is not provided up front but as a rolling reimbursement to the sponsoring agency or organization.
Warren’s covered bridge was built in 1860 and refurbished and rededicated in October 2000.
The public is invited to attend the public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the Warren municipal building. To view the complete agenda visit www.warrenvt.org.
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