Bristol board reviews options to preserve historic Benner stone arch while keeping traffic moving

At the Select Board meeting, a consultant presented two conceptual approaches for the Benner stone arch crossing: a temporary one-lane bridge that would allow the road to remain open during reconstruction of the arch, and a new two-lane vehicular bridge adjacent to the existing arch.

The presenter described the temporary option as an approximately 80-foot span acro-type bridge with about a 13-foot rail-to-rail width and minimal right-of-way impacts, saying, “this is something we definitely can do if the town wants to proceed with the reconstruction of the existing arch.” The alternative would leave the arch in place and add a new roughly 60-foot two-lane span downstream.

Why it matters: board members flagged three constraints that will determine whether to pursue reconstruction or a new crossing — proximity to adjacent buildings and property lines, historic-preservation requirements, and cost. The consultant noted measured clearances could be tight (an estimated 4.5 feet between a proposed new substructure and the existing arch in one layout) and recommended more detailed survey work to resolve alignment and property impacts.

Cost and approvals: A board member estimated a new bridge similar to a recently completed nearby crossing would be “at least $1.3 million.” The board asked staff to consult the historic preservation commission and noted potential involvement by state bridge inspectors and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers depending on final design and river work.

Next steps: the presenter said additional survey and coordination with property owners would be needed to refine right-of-way impacts, and staff will reach out to the historic-preservation commission and report back to the board before any design or contract authorization.