Sudbury reviews Sherman’s Bridge reconstruction plans; residents raise concerns about materials and access

DPW Director Tina Rivard presented the Sherman’s Bridge reconstruction plans to the Sudbury Historical Commission, describing the project’s materials, guardrail design and proposed kiosk.

Rivard said the project will retain a steel-backed guardrail and include a kiosk “similar to the one on the rail trail.” She added the work is slated for the summer months to limit impacts on school operations.

Several participants raised questions during and after the presentation. Kay Westcott, a Wayland Historical Commission member, asked whether the adhesive used in glulam lumber would be affected by water; Commissioner William Andreas responded that it would not. Resident Elissa Carter expressed concern about visible color differences between glulam and regular wood, and resident Henry White urged protecting the glulam surface to extend the bridge’s longevity. Piyali Talukdar noted there is an agreement among Wayland bridge abutters regarding weight limits; Rivard said weight-related aspects had been addressed in prior meetings. Resident Shelia Corbett asked whether the bridge foundation would be replaced; Rivard replied the substructure is not being replaced at this time.

Chair Chris Hagger summarized requests for additional project information the commission expects from the design team, including architectural renderings, a material list and documentation about how different wood finishes will weather over time. Hagger also asked for clarification on kiosk placement, plaque wording and several guardrail details: reducing a proposed 14-inch gap on the south side railing, considering a three-rail option on the north side, testing a wood wearing surface over the glulam decking, and options to box metal rails with wood or use steel-backed timber rails in transition areas.

Hagger and other commissioners asked Rivard to follow up with the design team and report back to the Historical Commission on the requested material samples, access impacts and any changes to the guardrail design.

Next steps: Rivard said she would check details with the design team and return with additional information at a future meeting. The commission also discussed convening a joint session with the Wayland Historical Commission to coordinate on kiosk/signage and other historic-preservation concerns.