By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — A $2.08 million contract to replace a bridge carrying Bayberry Lane Extension over the Aspetuck River was approved Wednesday by the Board of Selectwomen.

The span has needed replacement for some time. Over the years, rushing floodwaters have eroded ground beneath the span and the elements have eaten away its superstructure.

Because of its deteriorated condition, it now has only one lane open to traffic. 

“This bridge in question on Bayberry Lane has been on our radar for some time,” Town Engineer Keith Wilberg told the selectwomen.

“In 2014, there was scour done to the bridge so we had to do an emergency repair then, and in December of 2017 it actually was inspected by the D.O.T. [state Department of Transportation] and downgraded to single-lane traffic.”

The span was built in 1957, according to state documents. 

The project was estimated to cost, $2,395,000 — $2,177,094 for engineering and construction costs, plus a 10 percent contingency of $217,709.

Bids from six firms ranged from $2,088,616 to $2,942,612. The lowest bid was from New England Road, Inc., of Clinton. Wilberg recommended that contractor be chosen. 

Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich said previously the federal government will pick up 80 percent of the tab, leaving Westport with a cost of about $450,000.

Wilberg told the selectwomen the DPW has been working on engineering and permits for the project for years.

“This is the last step on that journey before we go to construction,” he said.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker asked how long the project is expected to last.

“The contract calls for 225 days,” Wilberg said. “If it started April 1 it would go to mid-November.”

He said he hopes to get utility company representatives to visit the site by March. Getting utility companies to inspect project sites has held up other recent projects in town, including bridge replacements.

Selectwoman Andrea Moore asked if supply-chain issues are a concern.

“From what I’ve heard, the valves from the water company, and beams and other things, that we’ve had problems with on some other bridges, should be able to be gotten,” Wilberg said.

Still, he said, “I’ve got my fingers crossed.” 

Selectwoman Candice Savin asked about traffic flow during the project.

“Traffic will be detoured along Coleytown [Road], North Avenue and into Weston,” Wilberg said. He said the detour plan has been approved by the police and fire departments, and that Weston has been notified.

The selectwomen unanimously approved awarding the project to New England Road.