An accident on Saturday has added yet another Norfolk bridge to the roster needing construction work. A truck from Mountainside treatment center in Canaan hit an older bridge on Ashpohtag Road, knocking the stone wall along the eastern side askew.
The other bridge wall is untouched.
With only six weeks to go as first selectman, Matt Riiska was unfazed by the accident despite having dealt with a number of bridge disasters during his years in office. This bridge will be paid for by Mountainside’s insurance company and, because the contractor will not have to touch the stream bed, state and federal environmental groups will not be involved.
“We don’t know what caused the accident,” he said. “They are very apologetic and are accepting responsibility. The culvert is fine, so we don’t have to touch the water.”
The bridge, which dates from the first decades of the 20th century, has cut stone in the barrier walls. Riiska said the stone wall will be taken apart and moved back into place. Work is expected to start soon.
At present, the road is open with a Jersey barrier in place to protect motorists.
Three other bridges await construction. Quotes for replacement of the Mountain Road bridge will be opened Oct. 9. The state has agreed to pay for all costs of its construction. Work on two South Norfolk bridges washed out by flash floods in 2023 will not begin until next year.