Planning commission backs CT DOT plans to replace White Street and Grantville Road bridges

Winchester — The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 9 voted to positively refer two Connecticut Department of Transportation bridge‑replacement projects to the Board of Selectmen after a joint presentation by town public works and DOT consultants.

Jim Rollins, director of public works, opened the presentation, saying, “I’m here tonight to request 2 8 24 referrals, from the Planning and Zoning Commission.” The projects are State Project 0162‑0161, the White Street Bridge over the Still River (Bridge No. 05126), and State Project 0162‑0162, the Grantville Road Bridge over the Mad River (Bridge No. 05132).

The commission was shown inspection findings that both structures — built in 1956 and rehabilitated at various times — have reached the end of their useful lives. Consultant Stephanie Dube of CHA Consulting summarized the design recommendation for each site: full bridge replacement, modern safety rail and approach rail systems, and scour‑resistant foundations with micropiles socketed to bedrock. Jack Carlson, assistant project coordinator in CT DOT’s Division of Rights of Way, described the acquisition process and said any acquisitions would follow Connecticut General Statutes 13a‑73 and 13a‑98e and the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (the “Federal Uniform Act”). He said the department will attempt negotiated settlements and only file condemnation with Superior Court if agreements cannot be reached.

Why it matters: the replacements are part of the DOT’s Design‑Managed Service (DMS) program, which funds design, right‑of‑way and construction at roughly 80% federal and 20% state reimbursement; DOT officials told the commission the program imposes public‑information and procedural requirements and that costs are reimbursed to the town. Stephanie Dube said White Street’s preliminary construction estimate is $9,680,000 and Grantville Road’s is $3,900,000; both projects are expected to begin construction in 2027, subject to right‑of‑way and permit approvals. White Street was described as a larger project with an estimated 16‑month construction window; Grantville Road was estimated at one construction season (about eight months).

The White Street presentation noted a number of existing deficiencies: the roadway across the bridge is 22 feet wide (below the state recommended 24 feet), the sidewalk is narrower than the 5.5‑foot state preference, underclearance and scour susceptibility do not meet modern standards, and the bridge has a low inventory rating. Dube said the recommended replacement is a two‑span steel‑beam bridge providing a 24‑foot roadway, a 5.5‑foot sidewalk on the north side and a design life of 75 years. For Grantville Road, Dube recommended a single span prestressed concrete deck unit bridge widened to 24 feet, with micropile foundations to address scour and with an improved hydraulic opening.

Commission questions and public comments focused on utilities and future needs. Commissioners and members of the public asked whether the White Street replacement could be designed to accommodate additional sewer or future roadway widening; presenters said utility relocations and easements will be coordinated during design and that the floodplain and hydraulics may affect span length and configuration. A property owner in the public commented about potential impacts to a nearby pump station and access; DOT staff said most permanent takings appeared to fall on state or town property but that three small permanent takes and several temporary construction easements had been preliminarily identified on the White Street plan.

Votes at a glance: the commission made two separate positive 08/24 referrals to the Board of Selectmen — one for State Project 0162‑0161 (White Street, Bridge 05126) and one for State Project 0162‑0162 (Grantville Road, Bridge 05132). Both motions were approved by voice vote.

What comes next: DOT staff said formal rights‑of‑way maps and letters of intent will be mailed to affected property owners once impacts are finalized, followed by offers of just compensation or, if necessary, condemnation filings and deposit of initial offers in Superior Court. The DOT and CHA encouraged public comments through June 23 using the project email and phone line posted on the DOT project webpages for each bridge.

Ending: The commission’s positive referrals will send project reports and the commission’s findings to the Board of Selectmen for further municipal review as DOT completes design and right‑of‑way work.