There has been a lot of talk about fixing the Lawrence Street Bridge, and the Selectmen were glad of the chance to meet with Senior Bridge Engineer Steve Liaikos this summer to review the status of the bridge.

This bridge was built 84 years ago, in 1930, with I-beams and a concrete deck. The abutments are stone and reinforced concrete. The total bridge length is 58 feet over the Blackwater River.

The bridge is not yet on the state’s Red List of bridges, though it’s close because of the condition of the abutments. The different components of a bridge are rated on a scale of 0 (failed) to 9 (excellent). This bridge was last inspected in 2012 and received the following ratings:

The condition of the concrete deck has a rating of 7, considered “good.” There are light cracks and a pothole at the south end.

The superstructure – the painted steel beams – have a rating of 8, or “very good.” There is “freckled rust” and some light peeling on the stringers.

The substructure – the concrete reinforced abutments – received a score of 5, or “fair.” There is heavy surface spalling, which means the concrete surface is coming off in large flakes. Also noted was deterioration with rebar exposed on the south abutments and wing walls.

The abutments may not be good candidates for rehabilitation. Although the deck and I-beams are in good condition, replacing the abutments without removing the deck and beams would be more expensive than replacing the entire bridge.

We have submitted a request to the DOT for a replacement cost estimate. Once we receive the estimate, we can apply for bridge aid. The cost of the project would likely require federal aid, which may be available in approximately 10 years.

Federal Bridge Aid is similar to the Federal Economic Stimulus Program, in that a town would need to be ready with its share of the project cost when the federal aid becomes available. To that end, we will be asking to transfer $200,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance into a Capital Reserve Fund which will be established for that purpose.

Once we receive the estimated total cost from DOT, we will be able to put together a plan for raising the money for the Town’s share of the project. In the meantime, to slow the rate of deterioration, a weight limit will be posted, and the bridge will be posted as a one-lane bridge.