Community Corner

Route 1 Bridges Should Be Done By Memorial Day; Better Late Than Never!

Blame tropical storms, hurricanes and blizzards for the delays on the Stony Brook and Quanaduck Coves bridge repair.

By Ellyn Santiago

The rehabilitation of Bridges No. 1898, Route 1 over Stony Brook and Bridge No. 1900, Route 1 over Quanaduck Cove, in the Town of Stonington began in August of 2011.

Yes, it’s been that long. Long accustomed to driving three cars at a time, many drivers, once the crews are gone and the projects are completed, may find themselves instinctively slowing down, watching to see: “Am I the third car?”

The projects consisted of the replacement of the existing bridges, known as box culverts and all the ancillary roadwork at the approach. The new bridges (or culverts) are made up of steel piles, concrete substructure, steel beams, and poured concrete decks. It’s been a big job. And one that fell victim to the weather as much as any other: Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011, just as the project was set to get under way; the 2011 October blizzard; the Halloween Nor’easter of 2011; Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Blizzard of 2013.

And those were just the storms with names.

“We’ve had our share,” said Barbara Traub, the matriarch of Hemlock Construction Company based in Torrington. The company was awarded the $3.2 million contract to rebuild the bridges by the state Department of Transportation. The plan was to have the job done by May 23.

Well, if it wasn’t for the delays due to weather,  it might have happened.

Folks are wondering when the project will be done, Traub was asked by a reporter.

“So are we,” she responded half jokingly. Traub said she has “children and  grandchildren” working on the project. She said her company, led by her son, Tim Traub, is “well aware that road is a main artery to the beach.”

Traub said, “on the whole, it’s going really well.” 

And as to the people of Stonington that drive Route 1 everyday.

“My son said this last night, 'One thing about the people on Stonington, they have been magnificent,'” she said.






Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here