Allan Appel Photo
The bridge today from the south side of the river.
Over the East Rock Bridge at the Mill River, that is.
On Tuesday night City Plan Commissioners reviewed and approved a site plan for a $1.7 million complete rehabilitation of the bridge that will also bring back some of the look of the original as it was built in the late 1890s.
That was the final needed approval to start construction.
The arches are part of the original bridge, which spans the Mill River linking Farnum Drive at the base of East Rock with East Rock Road.. The remainder of the superstructure, including a now deteriorating steel decking, was replaced during 1984.
The federal government will pay for 80 percent of the $1.7 million of the cost. The city has set aside the rest in this year’s budget, according to city Engineer Dick Miller.
Photo of consultant’s rendering of proposed railings and walkways.
The rehabilitation will include replacement of the deck and superstructure steel repairs to increase the weight-bearing capacity, which is now restricted.
The most exciting features for preservation-minded New Haveners might be the planned railings and cement sidewalks that will try to replicate the original.
City Plan Department Director Karyn Gilvarg said that the Historic District Commission has reviewed the plans and generally endorsed them. With one cautionary note: No need to use proposed stamped concrete that offers ab illusion of the original wooden surfaces.
Click here for photos and ab update from Anand Seshadri, the project engineer for Dewberry, the firm working on the project with the city.
The plan is for the bridge to be closed during the restoration, but the well-used pedestrian trails surrounding it will continue to be open, with some slight jogs around the construction.
Work is scheduled to begin in April 2013 and take seven months to conclude, said Seshadri.
Only 7 months to repair a bridge in New Haven? I wish I could believe it would be that quick...