Bridge Reinforcement Work Praised By East Windsor Officials

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Recent reinforcement work performed on the Stiles Bridge will allow for East Windsor's emergency vehicles to cross the bridge, an important public safety need, while the Department of Transportation prepares a project to replace the bridge, currently scheduled to begin in 2023.

Local and state officials commended the work, as the structure needs significant repairs and was found to be in serious condition.

First Selectman Jason Bowsza said, "Structural concerns associated with Stiles Bridge have exacerbated response times to critical life safety incidents for a decade or more. I’m grateful to Senator Anwar and Representative Foster for their advocacy on behalf of first responders and residents in my community, and appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Giulietti and DOT for their responsiveness to this serious issue."

"This bridge supports 1,500 vehicles per day, but in recent years has not been used to its full potential, for reasons including its rating in 'serious' condition making it dangerous for emergency vehicles to cross," state Sen. Saud Anwar said. "That is a huge safety issue for the town and its residents. I'm thankful that Department of Transportation officials are taking action and reinforcing this key structure until we can guarantee long-term safety with its repair."

"I learned about the dire condition of the Stiles Bridge shortly after coming into office," state Rep. Jaime Foster said. "Because of the immediate and collaborative advocacy of the East Windsor delegation, we were able to meet with officials from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and develop this temporary solution to reinforce the bridge. I look forward to the full replacement in the near future and am grateful to DOT for this stop gap measure to improve safety and allow all our emergency vehicles to pass."

The reinforcement project comes as the bridge needs more extensive repairs, which according to the Department of Transportation are slated to come in 2023. The bridge, built in 1925 and last rehabilitated 34 years ago in 1987, is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, a proposed project involves replacing the entire existing bridge with a new multi-girder steel superstructure on reinforced concrete abutments.

The bridge is expected to be closed for nine months should the project move forward; the estimated cost is $9 million, anticipated to be funded by 80 percent federal funds and 20 percent state funds. Construction is pending based on availability of funding and approval of permits.

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