Posted on July 8, 2011
State Representatives Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) and David Labriola (R-131) today thanked the state’s Bond Commission for approving a $1.3 Million grant for repair of the Maple Street Bridge.
The grant, part of the Local Bridge Program, will provide $1,307,084 for repair work to the Maple Street Bridge over the Naugatuck River. This grant will be matched with federal and local funding to complete the project.
The Maple Street Bridge, built in 1921 and rehabilitated in 1956, is a four-lane-wide concrete arch bridge with an overall length of 180 feet that serves more than 20,000 vehicles daily. According to the Connecticut DOT the bridge has an overall rating of 3, requires corrective action and is considered both structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.
DOT officials stressed there is no imminent danger to the public and said bridges are regularly inspected to ensure their safety. However, the bridge will be rehabilitated, the superstructure repaired and strengthened and the deck will be replaced.
“The Bond Commission clearly recognizes that the safety of our state’s bridges is of vital importance,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Repairing and replacing old, worn or damaged bridges will also create much needed construction jobs.”
“The Maple Street Bridge is a major travel route through Naugatuck and this grant will help make it a safer and more efficient roadway,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “This bridge is at the heart of our downtown and business community and its repair will welcome more people to experience the wonderful opportunities Naugatuck has to offer.”
“Keeping our local bridges safe is critically important for anyone who travels to or in Naugatuck,” Rep. Labriola said. “I’m pleased the Bond Commission has approved this funding to make all necessary repairs to keep the Maple Street Bridge and other state bridges and roads safe.”
Connecticut currently has more than 3,400 bridges and culverts on municipally maintained roads with the cities and towns that own them responsible for construction and maintenance. The Local Bridge Program was created in 1984 as part of the State’s Infrastructure Renewal Program to provide State grants and loans to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges.