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Cornwall bridge partially reopened

Cornwall bridge partially reopened
The covered bridge in West Cornwall reopened for vehicles during limited hours and days while repairs proceed. 
Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — Cornwall’s Board of Selectmen reviewed an eventful holiday week at their first meeting of 2023 on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

The primary topic of conversation was the closure of West Cornwall’s covered bridge, which had been closed since a pick-up truck towing an excavator drove the length of the bridge on Friday, Dec. 23.

Considerable damage was done to support beams that run across the top of the bridge, requiring repairs throughout the length of the structure.

“This particular incident did damage from one end to the other,” said Ridgway. “It’s remarkable to me that the person who was driving did not stop until they were outside the bridge.”

The state hired Mohawk Construction Company to repair the bridge. As of 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, the bridge was reopened for use on evenings and weekends. Work is expected to continue Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for at least two more weeks, during which times the bridge will be closed.

The damage had an effect on businesses in West Cornwall and has been an obstacle for Cornwall’s emergency services.

“It effectively cuts off the west bank of the Housatonic from the coverage of the Cornwall Fire Department,” said Ridgway. “There was a car accident south of the bridge... and Falls Village ambulance was there ahead of our ambulance.”

The board discussed additional measures that can be taken to prevent future damage to the landmark bridge. Suggestions included metal guard rails to prevent oversized vehicles from entering, but concerns over compromising the aesthetic of the bridge were raised.

Selectwoman Janet Carlson suggested the installation of an electronic eye that can warn drivers of oversized vehicles before entering the bridge.

The commotion in Cornwall over the holidays was compounded by a significant power outage in town caused by Winter Storm Elliot, which knocked out power to many of the hilltop homes in town for nearly four days, including Christmas Eve and Day.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said power lines were damaged in 30 different places and repairs were completed by Eversource.

Final allocations for federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were reviewed during this meeting as well: $100,000 to Cornwall Housing Corporation for site development of housing, $35,000 to The Little Guild for site development of its new headquarters in Cornwall, $38,000 to the Food and Fuel Fund for winter assistance, and $5,000 to Greenwoods Counseling for the services they provide.

Riley Klein

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