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MDOT presents Oceanville bridge options; town warned of potential local cost for granite facing
Summary
MDOT engineers told Stonington officials the Oceanville bridge northern piling is compromised and presented replacement options; a municipal agreement could cover 50% ($100,000) of a roughly $200,000 granite-facing restoration, with other options including a one‑lane bridge and traffic signals.
State Department of Transportation engineers described structural and aesthetic options for the Oceanville bridge and asked for local feedback on a municipal cost share for granite facing.
At the July meeting MDOT engineer Andrew Lathe and partner Jaime French told the Selectmen the northern piling is compromised and not on bedrock, complicating repair options. Engineers estimated a granite-facing rehabilitation could run roughly $200,000; Lathe said MDOT could offer a municipal agreement that would require the town to cover about half the facing cost ($100,000) if the town wanted granite aesthetics preserved.
Selectmen and residents asked about alternatives, including replacing only the metal superstructure or building a one‑lane bridge with traffic signals. Audience members asked whether concrete or other reinforcing techniques could be used; MDOT explained bedrock conditions and constructability constraints limited some options. Lathe said MDOT would continue to solicit community feedback and meet with abutters and the board on site before advancing a design.
Separately, TM Billings reported the congressional delegation had secured $200,000 for a causeway replacement planning study, which Selectmen said they would coordinate with MDOT and include in broader infrastructure planning.
Next steps: MDOT will continue site visits and gather community input; the Selectmen signaled they wanted additional public discussion before committing to any municipal cost share or design choice.
