ROCKINGHAM — The Selectboard has learned from a consultant's report that parts of the Vilas Bridge remain reparable, and that the state of New Hampshire, which owns almost all of the historic span, plans its repairs in 2015.
Interim Municipal Manager Francis “Dutch” Walsh reported to the board at its Sept. 7 meeting that the analysis from the consultant hired by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to look into the condition of the Vilas Bridge is done.
Walsh will be scheduling meetings with the Walpole Selectboard and area legislative representatives.
Mark Richardson, DOT bridge design administrator, reported that the inspection of the bridge and testing of the concrete has been completed and DOT is reviewing the consultant's draft report.
“This information confirms our previous expectations that the concrete in the arches, spandrels (vertical elements above the arches), pier, and abutments is in good enough condition so that those elements can be retained and rehabilitated,” said Richardson.
At the same time, Richardson said that “corrosion has not progressed too far, and chlorides have not infiltrated, to the point where the bridge would have to be replaced. However, the concrete beams comprising the floor system and the concrete bridge deck are in very poor condition and will be replaced. The abutments and pier do have areas of deterioration that will require more extensive rehabilitation than other portions of the structure.”
Repairs are expected to cost about $3.476 million. Richardson said the funding will be a combination of state and federal funds provided by both New Hampshire and Vermont.
New Hampshire owns 93 percent of the Vilas Bridge, while Vermont owns the remaining 7 percent.
“If utilities, such as water or sewer, are affected, then project funding will include costs to maintain that service,” Richardson added. “If there is a need or desire to upgrade those facilities, then the costs for that upgrade would be borne by the utility company. However, the work could be included with the bridge contract to help lower the overall cost to the utility company and thereby to the community as a whole.”
Richardson said that DOT is “working toward having this bridge rehabilitation project advertise for bids in 2015. Preliminary design will [begin] as soon as staff is available, with the goal of developing all contract plans and documents before 2015 so that the project would be ready to move forward earlier, if sufficient funds are found or become available to complete this project.”
He added a note of caution, saying, “it is prudent to note that if funds do not become available, there is still the possibility, although perhaps unlikely, that the project could be delayed until funds are found.”
Richardson's report on the bridge came as good news to Selectboard member Ann DiBernardo, who said it shows “that it can be saved.”