The new Hazel Plain Road bridge opened to traffic Friday afternoon after a year of construction. The 22-foot wide bridge will provide travel in both directions. It has an estimated life span of 75 years, Public Works Director Rich Lamothe said. The new 37-foot-long bridge was built for $2 million, 20% of which is the town’s expense. The DOT says an average of 442 cars cross the bridge each day. The bridge work was done by Schultz Corporation of Terryville and design work by WMC Consulting Engineers of Newington. Lamothe said the federal government will reimburse the town for 80% of the cost through its bridge replacement grant program.