First Selectman Matt Riiska is perplexed. Why, he asks, if the firm designing the permanent replacement of Smith Road bridge for the state DOT has given him the data he has used to apply for DEEP and Army Corps of Engineers approval of a temporary structure, can’t the DOT use the same information to get approval for its bridge?
The DOT has suggested that permanent bridge construction may not start until spring 2026, but Riiska said once he sends in a more detailed plan for the temporary bridge— which he expects to do by November 1—the Army Corps has just 60 days to approve or disapprove the plan.
If the Corps demands a hydrology report, that would extend the timeline.
Riiska will continue to work toward building a temporary bridge but will simultaneously contact the DOT to see why work on the permanent span cannot begin next spring.
“I want to move this along to the point where they can put shovels in the ground,” he said. “They already have a design, they did the test borings months ago, so they know what the ground is like underneath. What are they waiting for? They should be able to complete the design and get it out for bid soon.”
If the permanent work can be done by next spring or summer, Riiska said he will won’t spend $150,000 of the town’s money on a temporary bridge.