More Flak on the Wells Hill Bridge Plan

Neighbors leery of Easton's bridge plans
TONY SPINELLI tspinelli@ctpost.com
Article Launched: 09/25/2007 11:00:54 PM EDT

EASTON — A revised plan to replace the Wells Hill Road bridge with a single-lane structure got a bumpy reception when it was unveiled Monday night.

Town officials showed the alternate plan to members of the Planning and Zoning Commission at Staples Elementary School.

Though scaled down from a proposed two-lane span that neighbors earlier opposed because they feared it would attract too much traffic and harm the area's rural character, the new design still didn't sit well with neighbors.

The span over the Aspetuck River has been closed since being damaged in an April 2006 rainstorm.

Some in the crowd of about 25 people were displeased the alternate plan includes a bicycle and pedestrian lane.

"I do believe this bridge could be converted to two lanes in the future," neighbor Dorothy Stacum said of the revised plan.

She asked the P&Z to keep the neighborhood's history in mind.

Wells Hill Road is designated a scenic road under a town ordinance designed to preserve aspects of the town's scenic appeal.

"It was a cow path. Let's not make it into a commuter highway," Stacum said.

Neighbors expressed surprise by the addition of a pedestrian and bicycle path, even if the roadway is only a single lane.

The pedestrian lane would give the span a total width of 22 feet, with 14 feet for the single lane for vehicles, according to Ed Nagy, the town's public works director.

Nagy said the lane is needed for pedestrians because the span is used by people

But neighbors were wary.

"We're afraid we're going to be back in three years with a request to have two lanes on it," said Karen Kingsley.

"My fear is there will be a head-on collision," said Erica Andrews, another neighbor.

Another alternative to the wider bridge would be to redirect some traffic so the bridge is not used as much, First Selectman William Kupinse said at the hearing.

Replacing the damaged bridge could cost $450,000. The state Department of Transportation offered funding of roughly $86,000 toward that price for a two-lane span.

The P&Z must weigh in on the bridge proposal because it is on a scenic road and warrants special consideration, said Rob Maquat, the panel chairman.

A decision could be made as soon as Oct. 18, depending on how quickly the Conservation Commission issues an opinion.

"The sentiment from the audience was very clear," Maquat said Tuesday.

Tony Spinelli, who covers Monroe and Easton, can be reached at 330-6361.