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Date: 12/6/2022
WALES – Rapid deterioration of the existing bridge on Holland Road has led to the need for a replacement.
On Nov. 30, a Special Town Meeting took place in the Wales Elementary School gymnasium, where residents voted unanimously to approve Article 3, pertaining to the bridge replacement.
DPW Director Chris Ryan explained that the urgency for a new bridge exists because the current one has exceeded its lifespan. “It is deteriorating at a rapid pace,” he said.
Ryan went on to say that there will be seven properties affected by the project. He added that there are three permanent easements and 10 temporary easements. The temporary easements may include pole relocation during the project, whereas the permanent easements may include a couple of utility poles that have to be placed in accordance with the plans that have been produced, drainage work and so on.
“It’s a two-year project. It still needs to be gone out to bid,” said Ryan.
He noted that there will be a road closure and a detour setup that runs about 6 ½ miles. “It’s not going to be for the two-year period – it’s only going to be three weeks maximum that the road will be completely closed,” he said. Although he is unsure on the timing of this, Ryan said he is hopeful that it happens during the summer to avoid distributing the bus routes.
Ryan acknowledged those neighboring the bridge and said it may be “a little bit of an inconvenience” but “it’s a must do.”
“The bridge needs to be replaced,” he noted.
He continued, “It’s going to be an open box, three faced culvert with improvements to our roadway.” Although the grade may increase slightly, he is hopeful that the transition from Holland Road onto Route 19 becomes easier to navigate.
Executive Secretary Pamela Leduc noted that the plan for the bridge is posted on the town’s website.
She went on to say that the timing of this project is being driven by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). “This is not a town of Wales project, this is a MassDOT project that they’re undertaking in the town of Wales. They have fully funded the project design, they will fully fund construction,” said Leduc. “The only thing the town is responsible for are these easements and the easements are being funded from ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] funds.”
Leduc informed residents that if they approve this project, construction is scheduled for fall 2023. She explained that the appraisal is ongoing and once she receives the final appraisals, Ryan will begin talking to the affected property owners.
Approving the article, Leduc said would simply grant the Board of Selectmen the authority to sign all the paperwork.
Following her remarks, the town unanimously voted to approve the article.
Remaining articles
Article 1, which was approved by the town, was to hear and act upon reports and recommendations of town officers.
Article 2 passed unanimously to hear and act upon the reports and recommendations of committees.