EASTFORD — CTDOT’s current project page anticipates beginning replacement of Bridge No. 04645 on Ashford Road over Bigelow Brook in spring 2027, subject to funding, permits and right-of-way acquisition.
The existing 27.7-foot bridge was built in 1937. The agency describes its roadway width as substandard, its substructure as poor, and the crossing as both scour-critical and hydraulically inadequate.
Plans call for a 58.5-foot prestressed-concrete structure carrying a 24-foot roadway. A 52-foot hydraulic opening and a one-foot roadway raise are designed to prevent overtopping during the 100-year design storm, while new bridge and approach rails and about 385 feet of roadway and drainage work would bring the crossing to current standards.
The design has property impacts: CTDOT lists partial permanent takes from four properties, drainage rights on three, permanent slope easements on four and one temporary construction easement, along with limited rights for driveway, stone-wall, trail and sediment-control work.
The estimated construction cost is $4.41 million, financed with 80% federal and 20% state funds. The project page does not identify a contractor, a firm start date or a detour plan, so residents should treat spring 2027 as a forecast rather than a final traffic schedule.
Questions can be sent to DOT.customercare@ct.gov with State Project 0038-0085 in the subject or message.