Preston considering proposal to inspect three bridges
Preston — Town officials are considering a proposal from an engineering firm to inspect three bridges on local roads to determine whether the town should apply for federal transportation funds to refurbish or replace the structures.
One bridge on River Road over Choate Brook at the scenic entrance to Hidden Acres Family Campground might qualify for federal preservation funds, First Selectman Robert Congdon said. A bridge on Parks Road over Broad Brook and a Cooktown Road bridge over an unnamed brook each could qualify for rehabilitation or replacement funding.
The town has received a proposal from Cardinal Engineering Associates of Litchfield for $750 per bridge to inspect the three bridges and determine their condition and whether the town should apply for the grant through the state Department of Transportation. The bridges would qualify for 80 percent federal reimbursement, Congdon said.
The cost to refurbish or replace any of the bridges would not be known until the engineering study is done, Congdon said.
The Board of Selectmen received the proposal at Thursday's meeting and could vote on whether to hire the firm at a future meeting.
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