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Groton officials reopen Quaker Farm Bridge after multi-year reconstruction
Summary
Town of Groton leaders held a ribbon-cutting to mark completion of Quaker Farm Bridge reconstruction. Officials traced the work to a 2016 inspection and a 2018 closure, said the project used state bridge funding and permits, and noted a final inspection remains before full completion.
Jeff Foster, deputy director of public works for the Town of Groton, presented a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Friday to mark the completion of the Quaker Farm Bridge reconstruction over Haley's Brook.
"This path that we're all standing on has been closed for about 8 years now, so opening it up is a big deal," Foster said, explaining the project followed a 2016 inspection that identified structural and culvert-flow concerns and a 2018 determination that closed the crossing to vehicles. Foster credited grant funding, wetlands permitting, easements from adjacent owners and coordination with utilities for enabling the work, and he recognized design engineer SLR and contractor Dayton Construction for completing the schedule set at preconstruction.
Mayor Juliet Parker said the restored bridge "serves as an important link within our community" and thanked the public works staff, engineers and contractors. "It was almost 11 years coming, but it's done," Parker said, while noting the town will complete a final inspection before declaring the project fully finished.
Foster and Parker invited attendees to photos and light refreshments following the ceremony. Foster also recognized former public works director Greg Hanover and local groups including the Groton Inland Wetlands Agency and the Groton Open Space Association for their roles in permitting and easement coordination.
The town said funding came in part through the Connecticut Local Bridge Program; the precise funding share was not specified during remarks. The officials did not announce a reopening date for vehicular traffic beyond saying the bridge will return to service after the remaining final inspection is completed.
