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Engineers, VTrans and GMP map options to stop repeated washouts at Belden Falls Road underpass
Summary
Otter Creek Engineering, VTrans and Green Mountain Power told the New Haven Selectboard that bedrock and trestle abutments constrain the Belden Falls Road underpass and recommended a three‑sided bridge/box culvert to handle 50‑ and 100‑year storm flows; cost estimates are pending.
Otter Creek Engineering told the New Haven Selectboard on July 21 that recurring heavy rains are overwhelming the culvert under the railroad trestle on Belden Falls Road and routing water over the road, causing washouts. Robert Clark of Otter Creek said the site is constrained by bedrock foundations under the existing trestle abutments and that the town should plan for 50‑ and 100‑year storm events to control flow.
Clark presented two engineering options. "Option 1 — a controlled outlet to slow the water flow," he said. "Option 2 (recommended): a 3‑sided bridge / box culvert with a corrugated cast pipe would be the best option to maximize the culvert flow; paving the road along with creating a paved swale." Clark said Option 2 would shorten construction time and that he is preparing a cost estimate and plan for the Selectboard to review. VTrans and Green Mountain Power representatives joined the briefing and discussed permits and coordination, noting a planned GMP dam upgrade at the end of Belden Falls Road creates an opportunity to align schedules and access needs so GMP trucks can pass under the trestle during and after work.
The Selectboard did not take a formal vote but thanked the visiting engineers and agency representatives and asked staff to continue coordinating permitting and cost information. The board asked the engineering team to return with a detailed cost estimate, potential construction timeline and a list of necessary permits.
