DOT report flags bridge scour; Lisa Road bridge moved to state funding with construction slated for 2028

Town officials discussed two infrastructure items at the June 1 Board of Selectmen meeting: a state bridge inspection that highlighted scour concerns at the Depot Road (South River) bridge, and progress on the Lisa Road Bridge project after state funding discussions.

Officials said the Connecticut bridge report flagged scour — erosion around bridge abutments that can leave a bridge unsupported even if the superstructure appears intact — and that Tolland is the lead municipality for the grant that covers most of the project because half the abutment sits in Willington. "They are the ones that received the grant and they are the ones for this report," a selectman said, adding that Willington should participate as a stakeholder in planning meetings. The town manager noted planning, surveys and reporting were required before any construction and that construction work is currently slated to begin in 2028.

Separately, the first selectman said he had communicated with state legislators about moving a local project from the town’s CIP onto the state bond commission, which would fund the Lisa Road Bridge replacement. "We are waiting for the governor to sign it today to officially announce it," he said. Town officials also discussed practical implications such as potential temporary road closures during construction, sequencing decisions to be determined during later planning, and the need for public outreach once construction schedules are set.

No formal vote was taken at the meeting. Town staff said they would continue coordination with Tolland and state DOT engineers and provide updates as planning develops.