A contingent of concerned South Norfolk citizens met with First Selectman Matt Riiska July 19 to urge construction of a temporary bridge across Hall Meadow Brook. The neighborhood has been cut off from direct access to Route 272 since a flash flood last July swept away bridges on Smith Road and Old Goshen Road.
Since then, the state DOT has promised to replace the bridges at a cost of $5.8 million dollars, but the timeframe for the work could extend into 2028, according to Riiska.
Residents attending the meeting expressed frustration that no progress had been made in a year to provide convenient access to their homes by emergency and other services. They were adamant that their isolation is a safety issue and that moves should be made to provide a temporary bridge to their community. They suggested several options that could provide temporary access in two weeks for as little as $20,000.
Riiska said he has held discussions with Guerrera Construction about how a temporary connection could be established. “I understand how nauseatingly slow it is for the DOT to make a decision,” he said. “I pleaded with them to stop work on Mountain Road and to put their efforts into Smith Road, but it has fallen on deaf ears.”
But he added there is no a clear-cut answer to the problem. “Herein lies the problem,” he said. “Once you get within so many feet of the stream, everyone wants you to go by their rules and regulations. All we really need is a one-lane that can handle 50,000 pounds, but you have to get back away from the river. You can’t just put a pad in, level it off and say good enough.”
He looked at temporary bridges in Scotland, Conn., and received information that that town paid $440,000 for a temporary bridge. “Realistically, we are looking at $125,000 to $150,000,” he said. “We have to build to specifications that satisfy the insurance company and the DOT. Those organizations, in this day and age, are not going to let you put in something they don’t approve. They will shut you down.”
Thursday, Riiska said he understands the residents’ frustration. He has looked at options this week, but added, “It’s not as simplistic as people think it is.”
He bemoaned the bureaucracy of the DOT, saying a meeting about Smith Road the day before included 38 people. During the meeting, he expressed concern about why it was taking so long to restore the area.
Meanwhile, he is seeking quotes for a temporary bridge and has set an Aug. 2 date to again meet with the residents of the area. There is money in the town’s surplus funds, but before it can be tapped, he needs approval from the Board of Finance and a town meeting.