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Town reports temporary shoring on Hooper’s (Emery’s) Bridge; long‑term repair could cost up to $1 million
Summary
Town staff said a state inspection downgraded the bridge to a 3‑ton limit; public‑works crews installed steel supports and a plated overlay for about $8,000–$10,000, which engineers said should hold for two to three years while the town pursues larger funding.
Town Manager Tim reported that a state inspection earlier this year downgraded what the town refers to as Hooper’s (Emery’s) Bridge to a three‑ton limit and that the bridge has been on state and town radar for several years.
Tim said engineering estimates for a full bridge replacement or rehabilitation range substantially — “anywhere from $300,000 to $1,000,000” — and that the town’s previous grant applications had been unsuccessful. He described a rapid temporary repair completed by public‑works staff under the direction of Jay: crews excavated around the failing section, installed steel support beams, placed a steel plate on top and repaved the area.
Tim said the consulting civil engineer approved the temporary work and indicated it should keep the roadway serviceable for two to three years while the town pursues more comprehensive repair funding and design. He said the immediate cost to the town for the temporary stabilization was about $8,000–$10,000 for consultant and materials, and that the closure while work proceeded was the reason for a short road closure.
Councilors thanked public works for expediting the work; no council vote was required because the work was presented as informational and part of ongoing maintenance and grant‑seeking efforts.
