The bridge on Dart Hill Road in Vernon that goes over Hockanum River is set to be replaced.
Several government organizations have invested in the project according to town representatives, creating a substantial financial pledge to the town. Daniel Champagne, mayor of Vernon, says the state's Transportation Department will use around $1.3 million in federal funds as part of the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
Vernon will cover $400,000, which is the cost of project administration and the design of the replacement bridge. The Capitol Region Council of Governments submitted the application for Vernon's funds.
Michael Purcaro, administrator of the town, says funding from LOTCIP gives the area ample opportunity for infrastructure in transportation such as the Dart Hill Road Bridge replacement. Working with the Capitol Region Council of Governments will help Vernon keep costs down.
The bridge was built in 1932, and sees around 11,000 vehicles every day. During a routine biannual inspection cycle, the Department of Transportation documented that it did not meet current standards and needs to be able to support more traffic. Therefore, it needs replacing.
Designs are set to be complete by the end of 2019, and construction will start in spring of next year, finishing in the fall. There will be a detour for regular traffic. Flyer printing services can create notices of detours in order to alert commuters to changes like this.