HAVERHILL — Two city bridges closed to traffic in July are expected to reopen in December, Public Works Michael Stankovich told the City Council last night.
The old spans on Whittier Road and Millvale Road were closed after inspections determined them to be in poor condition and unsafe following heavy rains and flooding last spring.
Stankovich said an engineering firm will begin devising the repairs this month. In October, permits will be sought from several state, federal and local agencies, he said. In November, a contractor will be hired. The work is expected to be completed and the bridges reopened to traffic sometime in December, Stankovich said.
He cautioned, however, that the schedule could be held up any of various agencies that must sign off on the work.
"Due to the involvement of numerous state agencies, this is the one aspect that could cause the schedule to change," Stankovich said.
Permits are required from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Haverhill Conservation Commission and Historical Commission, among others, Stankovich said.
"The state could hold us up," he said of completing repairs and reopening the spans.
Stankovich said the city intends to send letters to neighbors of the two bridges this week updating them of the repair schedule. He said additional notices will be sent if problems arise or the schedule changes. He also said he will address the council again when he has cost estimates for the work.
The bridge repairs are to be paid for with state Chapter 90 money, which is typically used for paving roads or related transportation projects, Stankovich said.
"No local money is being used on this," he said.
The stone arch bridge on Whittier Road is near the John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace.
Several people associated with the historic Whittier Birthplace have said they want the bridge there to retain its historic character. They also want the repair work done as quickly as possible so people visiting the birthplace of poet John Greenleaf Whittier will not have to take the detour.
With the bridge closed, those who are coming from the east to visit the birthplace must drive past it on Route 110, then take a hairpin right turn onto Whittier Road, and drive back in the opposite direction to arrive at the Whittier home.
On Millvale Road, several residents have said they're not in a hurry to get the two small bridges in their neighborhood fixed.
The city had its bridges inspected after 13 inches of rain fell on the area in March. The downpours weakened the bridges that are now blocked, Stankovich said.
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