Uxbridge committee presses for short-term safety steps, votes to convene DCR and MassDOT for a feasibility study

The East Hartford Ave Causeway Committee voted to ask state agencies to join a feasibility planning meeting and discussed a package of short- and long-term steps to reduce safety risks on the narrow causeway.

The committee approved a motion to invite the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to a joint meeting so the study scope will meet state as well as local needs. Speaker 4 moved that “we do as Beta suggested and have a meeting with, DCR and the DOT” and the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: the causeway combines two roadway structures and a dam; committee members said the crossing is narrow, creates conflicts between trucks, cars and pedestrians, and has recurring maintenance and permitting complexity because multiple agencies have jurisdiction. Speaker 3 summarized longer-term financing scenarios the committee has considered, saying preliminary modeling showed a $12,000,000 bond with roughly $1 million a year in debt service to address the causeway and other town road and bridge needs.

Short-term steps discussed

Members prioritized immediate, low-cost measures while technical studies are scheduled. Speaker 4 recommended installing pedestrian-warning signage near the bridge and noted signage could be implemented quickly: “we could put up signs in a couple of days that said no pedestrian traffic on the causeway.” Several members agreed that signage (a few hundred dollars) and targeted clearing of sightlines could reduce the most acute risks.

The committee also discussed temporary truck restrictions. After recounting a recent collision that damaged side-view mirrors, Speaker 4 said a temporary truck exclusion would address width and clearance conflicts: “stop tractor trailer trucks from using that bridge entirely, not because of weight restriction, but simply because of size.” Members noted enforcement and routing impacts would have to be explored.

Data collection and consultants

Committee members asked for vehicle counts and speed data before deciding on more intrusive controls. Speaker 4 described equipment that records speeds and can differentiate vehicle types; the committee agreed to explore using regional planning resources (CMRPC) or contracting Beta, the consultant present. Speaker 4 said the recording equipment cost is “right around $5” (transcript) — the unit was not specified during the meeting and requires clarification.

Technical scope and interagency coordination

Consultant representatives and committee members outlined technical work the feasibility study should include: traffic counts and truck volume analysis, geotechnical borings, structural engineering for bridge widening, wetlands delineation, and a permitting analysis that identifies needed permits from DCR, MassDOT and potentially Army Corps of Engineers. Speaker 5 (consultant, Beta) recommended focusing initial study alternatives on either the north or south side of the bridge to avoid duplicative work.

DCR and dam concerns

Several participants raised concerns about dam-related risks. Speaker 7 said DCR reports describe the dam as problematic and “they all say the dam's unsafe,” while Speaker 4 said his review suggested the deck is inadequate but he did not read the reports as indicating an imminent structural failure. The committee concluded coordinated engagement with DCR is essential to align the feasibility scope with dam- and water-resource requirements.

Next steps and timeline

The committee agreed that Speaker 1 will reach out to MassDOT and DCR to set a stakeholder meeting and circulate dates (a Doodle poll) aiming for a session after the town meeting in May. If stakeholders confirm the scope, the committee will update a 2022 draft scope, refine cost estimates and consider bringing a funding recommendation to the select board. No final design or funding commitment was made at the meeting.

Vote at a glance

• Motion to meet with DCR and MassDOT to align the feasibility study: moved by Speaker 4, seconded; approved by voice vote.

The committee adjourned after scheduling follow-up work.