Dart Hill Bridge Replacement Timetable Announced In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The replacement of worn Dart Hill Road bridge over the Hockanum River is scheduled to begin in the spring, town officials said Wednesday.

Plans call for a complete closure of the bridge and a detour from late June to September 2021.

When the detour is in place, traffic that normally travels on Dart Hill Road will be detoured to Windsorville Road (Route 74). Eastbound traffic will go north on Skinner Road to Windsorville Road and westbound traffic will go north on Route 83 to Windsorville Road.

Sidewalks near the bridge are being replaced as part of a separate project under the Safe Routes to School program.

A virtual public meeting to explain the project has been scheduled for Dec. 8

at 7 p.m. and will be conducted via Webex. Meeting access information will be posted on the Town website at www.vernon-ct.gov.

"Vernon has been proactive in maintaining its bridges," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "When the project is complete, this bridge will be up to 21st century standards. Doing this project in one construction season will also save a significant amount of taxpayer money and limit the detour to one construction season rather than two years."
Once construction begins, Vernon’s emergency service leaders have developed plans to ensure a timely response to homes and businesses west of the bridge.

"Keeping the bridge open during construction would complicate the project and add to its cost," Vernon Town Engineer David Smith said. "The contractor would have to build alternating traffic lanes and construction crews would have to dodge vehicle traffic and pedestrians that use the bridge. Complete closure of the bridge will allow the contractor to work more efficiently and keep the public safe."

When completed in November 2021, the new bridge will be wider, and have better geometry and sight lines, Smith said.

The new bridge will also have a protected area for pedestrians, adding to overall safety, Smith said.

Construction is projected to begin on April 5 The project is expected to go out to bid in January and a contract will likely be awarded in March.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be administering federal funds totaling $1,333,200 for the project under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, or LOTCIP.

Vernon's cost-share is estimated to be $400,000, covering the bridge replacement design and project administration costs.

The Town's funding application was submitted through the Capitol Region Council of Governments.