South River Street Bridge to be replaced

Susan Danseyar, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Dec. 13—ENFIELD — The South River Street Bridge will be demolished and replaced next year as part of a larger plan to revitalize the area in the Thompsonville section that is adjacent to the rail line and the Connecticut River.

In addition to the bridge replacement, the project will widen the current roadway, add a six-foot-wide sidewalk, and improve drainage in the area.

Staging for the project began at the beginning of November. Starting in June, the bridge will be closed to outside traffic during construction, which is expected to last four months.

While the bridge is closed, the Asnuntuck Street railroad tunnel will be the main access for most of South River Street.

According to Enfield Public Works Director Donald Nunes, the closure will affect about 30 households on South River Street.

Nunes said some services to the area, such as large package delivery and trash pickup, will be modified during the time the bridge is closed, and the town will work with residents directly affected by the closure.

The plan to replace the bridge was approved by the Town Council in November 2013 after a safety inspection found that it was dangerously deteriorated.

"Thompsonville was once the downtown center of Enfield, with thousands of residents walking to work at the carpet factory and patronizing the dozens of small businesses and entertainment venues that existed," Town Manager Ellen Zoppo-Sassu said.

"Today, we are investing in infrastructure improvements and working with private developers who are investing in key parcels and properties, as well as sending clear messages to the investor landlords that the status of the housing stock needs to be maintained or they will risk significant code enforcement action."

Mayor Bob Cressotti said replacing the bridge is only one part of a much larger vision for the area, which includes a focus on pedestrian safety, as well as preparations for the new train station for the CTrail Hartford Line.

"After more than 100 years, it's time for a new chapter for Thompsonville and the role it plays as a transit-oriented district, to provide jobs, access to jobs, and opportunities for brand-new housing," he said.

The project is managed by GM2 Associates from Glastonbury, and the contractor is ROTHA Contracting Co. Inc. from Avon, on behalf of the town of Enfield.

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