HARDWICK — Public comment on the 75 percent design of the historic wooden covered bridge traversing Hardwick and Ware is due by Monday, according to a state Highway Department document.
A copy of the 75 percent design plan, prepared by Fay, Spofford & Thorndike of Burlington, is displayed at the municipal building in Gilbertville. The bridge, built in 1887, runs along Old Gilbertville Road in Ware and Bridge Street in the Gilbertville section of Hardwick. It has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2002, when state officials deemed the bridge unsafe. The 137.5-foot span crosses Ware River — connecting Worcester and Hampshire counties — and Hardwick with Ware.
State officials have estimated repair costs at $1.5 million to $2.3 million, which would be paid by state and federal funds. Comments should be sent to the Massachusetts Highway Department, re: Gilbertville Covered Bridge-Hardwick/Ware; 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3969. Questions may be directed to Shawn Holland, state Highway Project Management Engineer, at (617) 973-7242. http://www.telegram.com/article/20070727/DIGESTS/707270530/1004/RSS01&source=rss Bridge repairs
By James F. Russell CORRESPONDENT |
HARDWICK— The covered bridge spanning the Ware River between Hardwick and Ware that was closed for safety reasons nearly eight years ago will not be fixed before 2013 because there is no government money for the $2.3 million repair project, according to state Highway Commissioner Lusia Paiewonsky.
At a public hearing in June 2006 in Ware, state highway officials said work on the 137.5-foot wooden bridge could start in the fall of 2008.
Built in 1887, the bridge sits along Old Gilbertville Road in Ware and Bridge Street in the Gilbertville section of Hardwick.
“The Gilbertville Bridge rehabilitation project is currently not scheduled to be advertised until October 2013 due to the limited funding available,” Ms. Paiewonsky wrote in a Jan. 15 letter to state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre. Hardwick selectmen released the letter during their meeting Tuesday night.
“Until this project is awarded for construction, the towns remain responsible for maintenance of this bridge,” the commissioner wrote.
State and federal funds have been promised to underwrite all of the repair costs
State officials asked the towns to close the bridge in August 2002, saying it was not safe for vehicular traffic.
the Ware/Hardwick Joint Covered Bridge Committee was formed to monitor, coordinate and advise the Selectmen of each town on the progress of repairs and renovations to the Ware/Hardwick Covered Bridge.