DALTON, Mass. — Structural concerns have closed one side of the bridge on East Housatonic Street, making that section of the busy road limited to one lane. 

 

The 25.5-foot-long girder bridge is considered structurally deficient, with a poor deck condition, although the superstructure is rated fair. It was built in 1941. 

 

The department has been patching the holes in the bridge twice a week, Edward "Bud" Hall, Department of Public Works superintendent, said. 

 

There are currently eight barriers spanning 80 feet; the town owns two and borrowed the remaining six from the state.

 

However, the state requires barriers to cover 175 feet because of the high traffic volume on the road.

 

As a result, the town must either rent or purchase additional barriers. The question remains — which option is more cost-effective in the long term.

 

State Highway District 1 recommended that the town implement a temporary traffic signal or allow only one direction through the bridge while detouring others. 

 

Depending on how long it will take to address the bridge's condition, it may be cheaper to purchase barriers. 

 

According to quotes from the Northeast Traffic Technologies LLC, renting the two needed portable traffic signals will cost $3,250 a month while the barriers are $45 a month each. 

 

Purchasing barriers is $530 each. The quote is for 17 barriers for a total of $9,010, however, the town may not need that many. 

 

It is unclear how long the town will need to restrict traffic in the area. The engineers need to wait until the "freeze and thaw happens" to assess the condition, Hall said. 

 

Hall said they could consider purchasing half a dozen barriers. The Finance Committee is considering using funds out of the reserve account after referring with other town officials.