New Hartford Road Bridge Opens Early In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT – The section of Hartford Road between Case Drive and Bidwell Street in Manchester has reopened to traffic after being closed since April 27 to accommodate a project to replace the bridge over Hop Brook.

Town officials said Tuesday that some "off-road finish work" is slated for completion next spring, but the bridge opening represents the "substantial completion" of the $ 3.1 million project.

That's about five months ahead of the initial May target.

The original bridge was built in 1871 and was widened in 1931.

The replacement work included updated electric, gas, water and sanitary sewer infrastructure crossing the structure.

The project was partially funded under the State of Connecticut’s Local Bridge Program. The project contractor is Trademark Contractors LLC of Bristol.

"We are thankful to all of the parties involved in substantially completing this complex project ahead of schedule as well as those residents and businesses who have been inconvenienced by the road closure," Manchester Town Engineer Jeff LaMalva said.

Remaining work is expected to be completed by May 15, town officials said.