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Select Board favors concrete railings for Main Street bridge decking
Summary
Following staff briefings on maintenance, aesthetics and construction timelines, the Select Board reversed earlier guidance and voted in favor of concrete railings for the Main Street bridge deck replacement, citing community aesthetic preferences and long-term appearance.
The Select Board revisited its earlier preference for steel railings on the Main Street bridge deck replacement after a presentation by DOT staff on maintenance, corrosion-resistance and construction timing. The DOT representative said both options meet safety standards and that modern galvanized, powder-coated steel is durable, but noted concrete offers a different aesthetic that some residents favor.
Board members cited community input calling for a railing that matches other historic or gateway elements downtown. After discussion of lifecycle maintenance, constructability and aesthetics, the board voted to reverse prior direction and favor a concrete railing design for the project.
Staff said the bridge work will be a deck replacement, not a full substructure rebuild, and that final design details will be coordinated with DOT within the scope of the deck project.
