Office of the Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Town Manager

Town Hall Phone: (413) 259-3002

4 Boltwood Avenue Fax: (413) 259-2405
Amherst, MA 01002-2351 townmanager@amherstma.gov

Station Road Bridge Replacement

25 Frequently Asked Questions
(Last updated: November 2, 2018)

1. How long will the bridge be closed?

A. We are still investigating various options. But, at this point, here’s how the project could
progress:
a. Temporary bridge opens in Spring of 2019.
b. Temporary bridge closes in Spring of 2020.
c. Construction on permanent bridge begins.
d. Permanent bridge opens late Summer of 2020.

2. Why is it going to take so long to replace the bridge?

A. We know it seems like a long time. But there are several major factors: bridge construction is
governed by State rules and regulations and we must comply with them and their review
process, the bridge is in a sensitive resource area and numerous committees and agencies
need to sign off before designs are approved, then there is the design process, permitting
process, and procurement process.

3. Why do we have to do all these studies?

A. The bridge is in a very sensitive resource area that includes the Hop Brook, a significant
water source for the Town, and important habitat for the Dwarf Mussel and Wood Turtle, and
other state-listed species.

4. Can the town hire an expeditor to move this process along faster?
A. It is possible. What this means is that we would hire a second engineering firm to monitor the
work of the first engineering firm. At this point, we feel the schedule is compact and there
would not be significant value in adding this level of oversight.

5. Can the town buy a pre-fab bridge for a short or long-term solution?
A. Absolutely. Once we have analyzed the preliminary data, we will assess our options…and
there will be more than one. Some temporary solutions will include a one-lane bridge that
would either be one-way (not sure which direction) or alternating directions with traffic
signals. Temporary bridges also are typically up to 3 feet higher than the existing bridge and
will require a gradual ramp from Station Road to utilize the raised bridge.
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6. Can we skip the temporary bridge and go straight to the permanent? Will that reduce the
construction period?
A. Yes. We will explore this option. Our goal is to reopen the permanent bridge as soon as
possible and the Town may forego the temporary bridge if the cost-benefit is not there and the
project would move faster without a temporary bridge.

7. Does the state have a bridge we can use?

A. The State does have bridges that we may be able to use temporarily and, maybe even, as a
permanent replacement. They are aware of our needs and we are staying in touch with them.

8. Did Town of Amherst trucks and/or construction vehicles from the sewer construction project in
Amherst Woods cause this issue?
A. Heavy vehicles have a larger impact on roadways than lighter vehicles. The speed of vehicles
is also a factor in bridge and roadway deterioration. The faster a vehicle goes and the
heavier it is, the more impact it has on the roadway. So, the heavy trucks may have
contributed to the weakening of the bridge, but did not cause the corrosion that was found in
the beams that ultimately caused the bridge to be closed.

9. What is the existing weight limit for the bridge?

A. There were no weight restrictions on the existing bridge.

10. Are there other bridges in town that are in the same condition?
A. There is one bridge in Town with the same type of construction that we have been seeking to
replace. We continue to monitor this bridge – and all other bridges in Town.

11. How big will the Station Road bridge be?

A. The bridge will probably be about twice as long as it is now. Typical bridge construction
requires two travel lanes 11-12 feet each, shoulders 4-5 feet each side, and possibly 4-5 foot
sidewalks. Overall 38 to 44 feet wide. We will advocate with the State to ensure the bridge
fits into the semi-rural nature of Station Road.

12. Is this a safety issue? Will there be a delay in response time by the police and fire departments?
A. No. The Police Chief and Fire Chief have each addressed this issue and their memos are on
the website. In short, most of the area is served from Belchertown Road anyway. In addition,
dispatchers have been advised to remind responding officers, fire, and EMS apparatus of the
bridge closure when they respond to the affected areas of Amherst Woods, Iduna Lane and
the eastern section of Station Road.

13. Will the new bridge be wider and with bike lanes and sidewalks?
A. See the response to Question #11 above. At minimum, there will be a shoulder that would
accommodate bicyclists and at maximum, there will be two travel lanes, shoulders, and
sidewalks.

14. Will the rest of Station Road be paved as part of this project?
A. Only the work area of the bridge project will be repaved. The eastern end will be repaved
after the sewer work is finished which is projected to be in the Spring of 2019. The western
end of Station Road will continue to be reviewed in light of all roads that need paving in
Town.
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15. Will the temporary bridge be placed on top of the existing bridge?
A. If we use a temporary bridge, simply placing it on top of the existing bridge is the easiest and
most efficient option.

16. Is this project a priority for the town?

A. Absolutely. We have already dedicated tens of thousands of dollars to get the engineering and
permitting work started.

17. Who will pay for all this?

A. We will seek State funding for the entire project. The Town Manager has stated that the
bridge must be replaced and local funds will be sought from the Town Council, if State funds
are not forthcoming.

18. Is there State money available?

A. Yes. We are applying for funds through the design process. The State is well aware of our
needs.

19. Can speed limits be reduced on Station Road, in particular can speed bumps be added?
A. This is a topic that is separate from the bridge project and would be taken up by the
Transportation Advisory Committee, which reviews all requests for traffic calming.

20. Who is doing the permitting work? Town staff or consultants?

A. We will utilize both knowledgeable and experienced Town staff and consulting engineers in
the permitting processes.

21. How much will this whole project cost?

A. We don’t know for sure, but the cost is likely to be in the $2-3 million range.

22. When will the rest of Amherst Woods streets be paved?

A. The Spring of 2019.

23. Can the Town provide more detail on the timeline?

A. As the project moves forward and the tasks become more defined, the Town will continue to
update the timeline.

24. When will decisions be made regarding the temporary bridge and permanent replacement?
A. Based on the current schedule it will be around the first of February 2019.

25. How do residents stay informed?

A. The best way is to visit the Town’s website here: www.amherstma.gov/stationrdbridge

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