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Residents press Royalton board for faster action on Fox Stand bridge closure
Summary
Residents packed public comment to demand clearer communication, faster temporary-bridge options and release of engineering reports after the Fox Stand (Back River) bridge closed; the board said the state delayed the temporary bridge and outlined likely town costs.
Residents filled the public‑comment period to press the Royalton Select Board for faster action and clearer information after a long closure of the Fox Stand/Back River bridge.
“My name is Tyler Lagrange. I live up on Royalton Hill Road,” said Tyler Lagrange, who described roughly 453 days of detours and asked the board to release the VTrans report and all communications about a promised temporary bridge. Lagrange said residents have endured longer trips, vehicle damage and safety hazards and demanded the board “figure out a plan that puts something in motion this year.”
The chair told residents the town was recently informed by the state that the temporary Bailey‑style structure will not be available until next spring at the earliest and that the town’s share of a full replacement could rise. “The total town kick‑in would be $750,000 assuming the bridge costs $6,000,000 when they start,” the chair said, explaining why the board weighed the high near‑term cost of a temporary installation.
Multiple residents urged coordinated pressure on the governor’s office and VTrans, saying letters and calls from a large group of impacted households could spur action. Steven Kent, who lives on Swellbrook Road near Royalton Hill Road, said the impact extends beyond the immediate neighborhood and asked the board to be explicit about cost breakdowns so neighboring towns understand the plan and potential financial burden.
Board members and residents discussed technical constraints: the span is long — roughly 180 feet — and temporary bridges that long are scarce and require abutment work and permitting. The board recommended residents collect letters and requested the town post clearer updates; staff said they would publish points of contact for state officials and consider a follow‑up meeting with the state project manager.
The board did not adopt a new fiscal commitment at the meeting; members said they would continue negotiations with state partners and follow up in coming weeks.
