Town and borough officials said they’re optimistic that the state Department of Transportation is paying attention to their questions about a $25.5 million plan to replace the Alpha Avenue viaduct. The plan to replace the 83-year-old bridge announced last month would require closing off Cutler Street as well as Mathews/Main Street as well as taking private property through eminent domain including parking lots, “a part of a building,” and portions of a boatyard. The replacement plan and three other repair options were detailed in a report produced by an engineering consultant the DOT hired for the project, CHA Consulting Inc. of Mansfield. The replacement plan would provide a 75-year life span with little required maintenance while the extensive repair option would come with higher maintenance costs and extend the bridge life span by only 50 years, making replacement a more cost-effective option in the long term. The consultant’s report recommends an extensive $13.3 million repair option that takes no land and leaves Cutler, Main and Mathews streets open.
https://www.theday.com/local-news/20230610/stonington-state-begin-talks-about-conroversial-viaduct-plan/