Lawmakers urge against bridge funding cuts

Westport, Conn. (WTNH) - Two members of Connecticut's congressional delegation say many of the state's bridges are not safe for travel.

Of the 5,250 highway bridges in the state of Connecticut it is estimated that nearly 1,800 are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
       
The bridge that carries Interstate-95 over Saugatuck Avenue, Route 136, in Westport coming from the South has a particular distinction.

"This particular bridge in Fairfield County, is rated the worst, and the standards by which they use to make these judgments, this bridge has the lowest score in Fairfield County," said Rep. Jim Himes.

To Congressman Himes, Rep. Chris Murphy, and many others, this bridge is a key reason why a cut in federal transportation funding must be avoided.
        
With unemployment in the construction trades approaching 40% in some parts of the state the idea that some badly needed bridge repair projects might be postponed again is unthinkable.

"I've been out of work about three years, a project like this would mean I could go back to work and be able to support may family," said Waterbury resident Scott Shappy.

"I've been out long enough but we have members that have been out for two or three years. They're losing everything, they're losing their houses, they have no medical coverage, they have nothing," said Mike Briggs from East Haven.

The bill the House is expected to pass will cut Connecticut's share of the federal transportation pie by $400 million.  A Senate version of the bill would keep funding flat.  The current funding bill expires at the end of March.

"The bill that we're debating today is $400 million under what Connecticut's current allotment is just for roads and for mass transit," explained Rep. Murphy. "That number represents dozens, if not hundreds of road projects, that aren't going to get done. It represents dozens of bridges like the one we're standing in front of that won't get repaired."
       
Interstate 95 was designed in the 1960's for a capacity of about 90,000 to 100,000 vehicles per day. DOT now estimates that some days it is carrying close to 200,000, making upkeep and repair to these bridges even more important.