Temporary repairs to Pawcatuck bridge could begin this fall

Structure on Stillman Ave. one of three that links town to Westerly

Stonington — Town Engineer Scot Deledda told the Board of Finance on Wednesday night that work to temporarily repair the Stillman Avenue bridge in Pawcatuck could begin as early as this fall.

His comments came as the board approved a waiver of bidding requirements for the project so he could request proposals from four to five prequalified contractors on the state low bid list.

Deledda said he expects bids in September with work to begin in October or November.

Stonington and Westerly have agreed to split the costs of the repairs, for which Stonington has budgeted $40,000. After the temporary repairs, the state Department of Transportation will design a replacement bridge. The cost of that project would likely be shared by the federal and state government and the two towns.

Last fall, state Department of Transportation officials informed Stonington that an inspection has revealed the span is in serious condition and needs to be rehabilitated or replaced. The well-traveled bridge is one of three that span the Pawcatuck River between Stonington and Westerly.

According to the summary of the state’s inspection, the steel girders have severe rusting and other steel components have holes or have rusted away. The report also warns that during a 10-year river flow event, which has a 10 percent chance of occurring in a given year, it is possible the soil supporting the bridge will be eroded, undermining it and making it unsafe.