Canaan Select Board opens public hearing on Transfer Station Bridge replacement; project estimated at $2.8M

At its Jan. 20 meeting in the Canaan EOC, Select Board Chair Stephen Freese opened a public hearing on the proposed replacement of the Transfer Station Bridge over Orange Brook. Trevor Ricker of HEB Engineering reviewed the project, including schedule, funding and technical options.

Ricker told the Board the project’s total cost is estimated at $2.8 million, with Federal sources covering about 80% and the town expected to cover roughly $570,000 (20%). He said the town will advance project expenses and seek reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration through the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, which will administer the project.

HEB described the planned phases: an engineering study to develop alternative options (spring 2025), preliminary design and environmental permitting (early 2026), contract bidding (early 2028) and construction in 2028. Work on Transfer Station Road associated with the project is scheduled for 2029. Ricker reviewed alternative bridge types, span and alignment options and freeboard considerations and said HEB will submit an engineering study the town will use to select an option.

The funding split leaves a material local obligation: Select Board members and town staff discussed the town’s Capital Improvement Plan, which currently includes $203,000 for bridges, and whether additional state funds might be available for related road work.

After presentation and discussion, Chair Stephen Freese closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. The next formal steps are the submission of the engineering study by HEB and the Select Board’s later selection among the alternatives and coordination with NHDOT on reimbursement and permitting.