Bethmour Road Culvert Closure Update from First Selectman Carol Goldberg
Inspections Confirm Significant Deterioration of the Culvert
First Selectman Carol R. Goldberg discusses inspection findings with engineers from SLR Consulting.
BETHANY, CT — The Town of Bethany continues to move forward with planning efforts for the replacement of the damaged Bethmour Road culvert crossing following the partial collapse caused by the deterioration of the existing steel culvert.
First Selectman Carol Goldberg and First Selectman Mica Cardozo of Woodbridge are working closely together to address the Bethmour Road culvert as this important road crossing is shared by both towns. Bethmour Road is currently closed between Route 67 in Woodbridge and Pine Brook Crossing in Bethany after the culvert beneath the road was found to be unsafe for vehicle traffic. While this is an inconvenience, replacement of critical infrastructure requires careful evaluation, engineering review, environmental considerations, and coordination among multiple agencies.
The Town Engineer, Nafis & Young, inspected the Bethmour Road crossing and determined that the existing culvert, a 16-foot-wide corrugated steel pipe installed more than 40 years ago, that allows water to pass safely underneath Bethmour Road, has deteriorated to the point that it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. A copy of the engineer's report can be viewed here.
Culvert wall bulging in.
Damage to the bottom of the culvert.
Culvert wall, opposite side.
This project is more complex than a typical road repair. Because the crossing involves Bladen's River and a dam, several state and federal agencies must be involved, including CTDOT, DEEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other permitting authorities. Local town permits will also need to be obtained. First Selectman Goldberg and First Selectman Cardozo have already met with the CTDOT Commissioner's Office, the CTDOT Local Bridge Program Manager, the Town Engineer, and construction firms to identify the most effective path forward. First Selectman Goldberg has also been in contact with the Lieutenant Governor's Office, the CTDOT Commissioner, and other state officials to pursue the quickest practical timeline and the strongest possible funding options, including state and federal grant opportunities to offset the cost of this project.
On July 29th, First Selectman Goldberg met on-site with SLR Consulting, a firm that specializes in structural and geotechnical (bridge) engineering out of Cheshire with extensive experience working with municipalities on similar projects and coordinating directly with the state. We anticipate a report from SLR, detailing potential temporary fixes, if any, as well as solutions for a permanent repair.
Engineers from SLR along with Bethany ZEO Curtis Bosco descend into the culvert beneath Bethmour Road.
Although the situation is serious, both towns are approaching it with urgency, cooperation, and a shared commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility and capable of serving the community for decades to come.
We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of residents and travelers during this disruption.