(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Town of Vernon, Eversource and New England Road, Inc. are working together to address construction delays associated with the Dart Hill Road bridge replacement project.
Work on the project began in May and was expected to be completed by the fall. Delays caused by unexpected site and environmental conditions as well as material and supply chain constraints knocked the project off schedule and could have required the existing detour to continue through the winter and into the spring. That has been prevented.
“We scheduled this project to be competed in one construction season because we knew the detour would be a significant inconvenience for area residents,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “I directed Town staff to work closely with the construction team to accelerate the work schedule.”
Vernon Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Macary said Dart Hill Road is a main route for school buses and students walking to school. “We’re thankful for the Mayor’s determination and the construction team’s commitment to get the bridge open,” Dr. Macary said.
Construction crews are expected to work longer days and on weekends to achieve the accelerated schedule, which calls for the bridge to open to traffic by the end of November.
“Eversource and New England Road are taking steps to accelerate their work and to prevent additional delays,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. “Both companies are working collaboratively with the Town and are demonstrating that they are responsible corporate citizens.”
“We’re happy to work with the Town of Vernon on this important project, which will greatly benefit residents with a new bridge and upgraded natural gas lines that will enhance system reliability,” said Eversource Vice President of Gas Operations Kevin Kelley. “We appreciate the continued partnership and collaboration with Vernon town leaders and local customers.”
Town Engineer David Smith said both companies are working hard to keep the project as close to schedule as possible.
“The construction team is putting forward an exceptional effort to try and recapture some of the lost days, and has been extremely cooperative in maximizing efficient execution of the remaining work,” Smith said.
Finishing work, such as drainage improvements, grading of the approaches, final pavement installation, signage and traffic markings, will be completed in the spring.