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Officials warn Crawford Road bridge needs rehab or weight limits; bidding could be costly
Summary
Public works staff told the Selectboard the Crawford Road bridge shows exposed rebar and would likely require jackhammering, rebar replacement and new concrete; members were cautioned bids might be high and the bridge could receive posted weight limits if not addressed.
Public works staff reported to the Selectboard that the Crawford Road bridge has concrete deterioration exposing rebar and that the bridge supervisor recommended removing the damaged concrete back to sound rebar, reforming and pouring new concrete as a rehabilitation approach.
Board members were warned that the work is straightforward in method but that market conditions and contractor availability could produce high bids. Staff relayed that companies are often booked one to two years out and recommended putting the work out to bid early to capture third-year availability.
The board discussed the consequences of delaying repairs. Public works staff said the bridge’s inspection rating would decline if repairs are not done and the state or inspectors could post a descending series of weight limits — for example, starting near 20 tons and stepping down over time — until only very light vehicles could cross, potentially forcing closure.
No cost estimate was finalized at the meeting; one member said bids could be in a broad range (“could be 150, could be 350, 500”), and staff said a follow-up inspection and contractor consultation would better define costs. The Selectboard did not authorize immediate construction and asked staff to seek rough cost figures and timing from contractors.
