January 17, 2014

State commits to fully funding Winsted’s Holabird Avenue bridge

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WINCHESTER – An estimated $3.7 million project to reconstruct the Holabird Avenue bridge and the neighboring roadways will be covered entirely through state funding after the Department of Transportation pledged to cover the remaining expenses, following the push by Winchester’s state lawmakers.

State Sen. Clark Chapin (R-30), State Rep. Jay Case (R-63) and State Rep. David A. Scribner (R-107) pledged support for the bridge project, hoping to seek funding from avenues outside the town’s coffers. Transportation administrators heard the legislators, reached deep into its pockets and decided to step up for town residents.

“This signifies government working together, across party lines and through bureaucracy, to get the job done for its citizens,” Rep. Case said. “I want to thank the state DOT for stepping up and proving this project is meaningful because I know it is for my constituents. Holabird Avenue is such an important roadway to this town – from public safety to education – and I cannot wait to see it fixed. What a great job by everyone and every agency involved.”

“We are very appreciative of the DOT’s efforts in working with the town to see that this bridge project moves forward. It is a heavily used bridge and its rehabilitation is especially important to Northwest Connecticut Community College and to the businesses in the area,” said Sen. Chapin.

“Holabird Avenue is an important traffic artery in Winchester that thousands of commuters rely upon every day for their safe travels,” said Rep. Scribner, Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee and Transportation Bonding Subcommittee. “I’m so pleased we could all work together to secure this critical funding, and I look forward to seeing the project unfold.”

Holabird Avenue serves as a main thoroughfare in Winsted: it provides an immediate route to residential and commercial properties, a fire department, and Northwest Connecticut Community College.

The state Bond Commission in December approved $2.4 million for the project and asked the Town of Winchester to fund the remaining 51 percent – about $2.5 million. Because of the town’s financial struggles, Sen. Chapin, Reps. Case and Scribner worked with transportation authorities to secure coverage for the remaining costs, which will come from a combination of both state and federal funds.

Winchester is still responsible for the minimal design costs and specifications, as previously determined. Department of Transportation officials said when the town approves its part, work can begin by 2015.