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Selectmen plan public meeting and possible bond for Wells Bridge project after state timeline accelerates
Summary
Board discussed the large projected cost to replace Wells Bridge, said the state is expecting an answer soon, and agreed to hold a public meeting and likely seek voter approval via a warrant/bond.
Loudon's selectmen told the public on June 17 they will hold a separate public meeting this summer to explain options for the Wells Bridge project after the state indicated a near-term timeline.
Board members said preliminary engineering and front-loaded costs would require substantial up-front funding and that a multi-year bond or warrant article is likely. One selectman described initial cost estimates of several million dollars and said preliminary engineering alone could require a half-million dollars to start the process. Another member suggested the town might prefer to invest in higher-traffic road projects if voters reject the bridge plan.
The selectmen agreed to invite a state representative to present options to residents in a standalone evening meeting and to prepare cost estimates including possible demolition scenarios and lifecycle costs. They discussed timing for a bond, the need for a warrant article at town meeting and the importance of giving residents clear options before asking for funding.
No final commitment or appropriation was made at the meeting; board members asked the administrator to arrange a public meeting in August or September, to invite state staff, and to solicit demolition and construction cost estimates prior to public outreach.
