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MDOT: Oceanville Bridge replacement would improve safety; granite facing could cost about $200,000
Summary
MDOT engineers told Stonington selectmen the Oceanville bridge's northern piling is compromised and not on bedrock; an aesthetic granite facing is estimated at about $200,000 and MDOT offered a municipal agreement to split costs 50/50.
State Department of Transportation staff told Stonington selectmen that a planned Oceanville bridge replacement is necessary for safety and that aesthetic granite facing would add significant cost.
At a July 11 presentation, MDOT project manager Andrew Lathe and engineer Jaime French outlined options, describing compromised northern piling conditions and glacial till under sections of the structure. "The northern piling is too compromised and it is not on bedrock," Lathe told the board, saying that foundation conditions limit simple repairs and favor full replacement.
The MDOT team estimated the granite-facing option at about $200,000 and offered a municipal agreement that could split that cost about 50–50, which would require roughly $100,000 in local matching funds. Residents in attendance asked whether a new metal-only bridge could be used instead of stone facing; MDOT explained the trade-offs and the structural need for more extensive work on compromised piles.
Selectmen thanked MDOT for the briefing and agreed to gather community feedback and consider options including a possible municipal agreement. TM Billings said MDOT would coordinate another meeting with abutters and town leaders to refine designs and costs.
Next steps: MDOT will meet abutters and the selectmen again to present refined estimates and options; the town may consider whether to pursue a municipal agreement if the community prioritizes granite facing for aesthetic or preservation reasons.
