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Commission hears update: state to fund swing bridge design, reconstruction costs still uncertain
Summary
Members said the state DOT will fund the bridge design and reconstruction likely involves an 80/20 split; costs have risen from earlier estimates and lead paint removal complicates rehabilitation plans.
Milford Heritage Commission members discussed the town's historic swing bridge at their Jan. 14 meeting, reporting that the state Department of Transportation will fund the design phase while overall reconstruction costs remain uncertain and have risen since earlier estimates.
A commissioner said the design is expected to be paid by the state and estimated the design contract at roughly $200,000; the reconstruction phase could be shared 80/20 between state and town. Members noted that a prior estimate of about $800,000 is now closer to $1,000,000 or more. Several speakers warned that lead-paint removal could complicate a restoration approach: "The minute you take the lead paint, you're not gonna have a bridge left," one member said, underscoring the engineering and preservation trade-offs.
Commissioners described next steps: the state-led design will clarify whether rehabilitation is feasible or whether a near-complete replacement will be required; once a design is complete, the project would go out to bid and cost estimates will be firmed up. Members urged pursuing available foundation grants and state funds to reduce local fiscal burden and noted the bridge remains listed on state and national registers, a status that may help secure preservation funding.
The commission did not take formal action on bridge funding at this meeting; members said they would continue to monitor the DOT design timeline and related warrant-article and grant opportunities.
