Rust-Covered Bridge Warrants Emergency Repair Money

Rust has corroded holes in the steel rafters that support the bridge on Mariomi Road, according to a presentation made by the Department of Public Works at Tuesday evening's Board of Finance meeting. Photos of the decaying support beams prompted the Board of Finance to agree with issuing the Department of Public Works $30,000 in "emergency repair money" to fix the bridge by next spring. 

"We're getting to a point where this bridge is going to need to be fixed or closed," said Director of Public Works Mike Pastore at Tuesday evening's meeting. However, the bridge on Mariomi Road is just one of six in New Canaan which is considered to be in poor condition. Other bridges which the department deem to be in poor condition include those on Ponus Ridge, Huckleberry Road, Wahackme Road, Hickock Road and Jelliff Mill Road.

Fears over dilapidated bridges in Connecticut reached a fever pitch after the collapse of the Mianus River Bridge in 1983. However, Assistant Director of Public Works Tiger Mann reiterated bridges around town are still safe and repairs are on-schedule to be completed in a timely manner.