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MDOT engineers brief Stonington on Oceanville bridge replacement; town faces potential cost share for granite facing
Summary
MDOT engineers told selectmen that the Oceanville bridge northern piling sits on glacial till rather than bedrock, limiting repair options; MDOT estimated about $200,000 for granite facing restoration and offered a 50% municipal agreement, which would leave the town responsible for roughly $100,000 if it chooses that aesthetic treatment.
State Department of Transportation engineers told Stonington selectmen that replacing the Oceanville bridge will be more complex than a simple metal span swap because northern piles sit on glacial till rather than bedrock.
Andrew Lathe and engineering partner Jaime French explained that the northern piling is compromised and that a full replacement would require structural work beyond simply changing the metal span. Lathe said aesthetics were a frequent concern in public comments: "Estimates are around $200,000 to re do [the granite facing], although it won't exactly be the same," he said, and he offered details on a municipal agreement that can split the cost 50/50 with MDOT.
Residents asked whether the project could preserve the granite facing or use concrete to reinforce pilings. Engineers noted technical limits: because the piling is not on bedrock, some stabilization approaches are problematic. The board discussed options including a municipal agreement for granite facing, a one‑lane replacement with traffic signals as an alternative, and further engineering review.
The Selectmen thanked MDOT for coming and asked for more detailed cost estimates and further community outreach; MDOT said it would meet with abutters separately before returning to the board.
Next steps: MDOT will follow up with abutter meetings and provide refined estimates; the board will solicit public feedback and consider whether to pursue a municipal agreement that could obligate the town for a share of the aesthetic work.
