North Stonington bridge starts to take shape

NORTH STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A long awaited bridge is finally starting to take shape in North Stonington.

The bridge, which is in the center of town, was shut down after the flood waters of March 2010 washed some of it away.

"The first thing we had to do was go in here, go across the stream," said First Selectman Nick Mullane.

Two and a half years, two million dollars, and a whole lot of planning later and the Old Town Hall bridge in North Stonington is starting to take shape.

"That's the road level if you take a look at one side to another," said Mullane.

This week the center arch of the bridge was put in place; eight sections of concrete each weighing 46,000 pounds. However, it wasn't only the bridge washed out during the floods of March 2010. The Watermark Cafe which sat over the river collapsed into it.

"Over by the porch there will be a large mass of cement," said Mullane.

The First Selectman explains the owner may even be able to rebuild that once this is done.

The flow of the river will remain the same with the new bridge. The only difference is instead of double span, it's a single span and it will be able to withstand a whole lot more of what mother nature has to offer.

"The old arches used to take and only handle an 80-year storm," said Mullane, "this one will handle a 200-year."

The first cars are expected to be able drive over the new North Stonington span September 30th.

"At last we have the next stage," said Donald Pattison, of North Stonington, "last stage of bridge building here and it does make us happy to be able to drive through town."

The inconvenience has become a way of life for area folks who are happy to see these days come to an end.