Danvers River Committee receives updates on Kernwood Bridge, dredging and proposed pier rules

Christopher Sanborn, Director of Natural Resources, briefed the Danvers River Committee on several infrastructure items affecting the harbor and river communities.

On the Kernwood Bridge Replacement Project, Sanborn said the town submitted a letter of support for the new bridge design to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and that DOT notified the U.S. Coast Guard of a temporary schedule deviation caused by a bridge barrier gate issue. Sanborn told the committee that while the overall project is still on track, additional delays could affect the upcoming boating season and that the town’s Coast Guard contact has been advocating for affected river communities.

On dredging, Sanborn reported that the town was not selected for funding from the Seaport Advisory Committee in this round. He said the Town Manager has scheduled a meeting with the Seaport Advisory Council to discuss strategies for improving competitiveness in future rounds. Sanborn also described ongoing sediment testing with local marinas; he said testing takes about six months and that results remain valid for three years.

Sanborn also updated members on proposed wetlands regulations for private piers and docks. He said he reached out to the Urban Harbor Institute for technical GIS assistance but noted that the institute charges a fee for its services. Sanborn reported that the Engineering Department provided requested GIS maps and that two new permit applications have been submitted—one for repairs to an existing structure and another for a new project—that he has forwarded with comments to the Conservation Commission.

The updates were presented as informational items; the minutes record no vote on these items at this meeting.