Residents celebrate Bunker Hill bridge reopening; town schedules punch-list work

The Andover Board of Selectmen opened its Dec. 8 meeting by acknowledging the reopening of the Bunker Hill bridge and hearing gratitude from nearby residents who endured lengthy detours during the closure.

Katherine Hutchinson, who lives closest to Route 6 on Bunker Hill Road, described the hardship of daily detours and told the board that driving across the repaired bridge "was the greatest feeling in the world." Several other residents echoed her relief and noted improved access for routine travel and emergency services.

Town Administrator Jim Balano told the board that the contractor completed the structure and the inspector allowed traffic to cross earlier that afternoon, but that a short punch list remains. Balano said crews expect to address the paved tie-ins at the Route 6 approaches as soon as an asphalt plant can supply hot mix, and that permanent striping will wait until spring. He also said stakes and temporary signage will be removed when appropriate.

Board members discussed whether to hold a small ribbon-cutting or community event to mark the reopening and suggested coordinating dates by email so the event can occur before heavy winter snow. The board agreed to discuss the logistics and invitations via follow-up communications.

The town emphasized that while the bridge is open to traffic, residents should expect minor intermittent work on approaches and temporary markings until warmer weather allows final paving and striping.

The board did not take any formal vote on the ribbon-cutting at the meeting; officials said scheduling would be handled by staff and announced to the public once dates are set.