Mass. town receives $949k grant to repair 3 bridges

Photo Credit: Flickr user J. Stephen ConnPhoto Credit: Flickr user J. Stephen Conn

Charlemont received a $949,000 grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to repair three bridges, The Recorder reports. The city will return two weight-restricted bridges on Route 8A North (also known as North Heath Road) to full service, and replace the Legate Hill Road bridge superstructure.

Selectmen Sarah Reynolds and Toby Gould received the town’s grant at a State House ceremony on October 31 in Boston. Gov. Charlie Baker, Sec. of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash and other state officials were present. Jon and Jim Schaefer of the Berkshire East Mountain Resort, who are part of the public/private partnership in Charlemont, were also present, along with Senator Benjamin Downing and state Representative Paul Mark.

According to the news agency, Gov. Baker said the MassWorks program “promotes community vitality by investing in shovel-ready public infrastructure projects that allow municipalities to unlock impactful local and regional economic development opportunities.”

Out of 114 applications requesting $287 million in funding, approximately $8.8 million was awarded this round to 10 communities, including Charlemont. “The application process was very competitive,” Charlemont Selectboard Chairwoman Beth Bandy told the news agency,” adding that Berkshire East “has been working very hard with Secretary Ash. They have this business that needs to have town infrastructure.”

According to the news agency, the Gill Engineering report of “Bridge Deficiency Evaluation and Repair Recommendations” for Charlemont notes that an estimated $160,000 is needed to replace corroded beams and metal sections of the Legate Hill Road bridge. Estimated repair costs for the Route 8A North bridge over Mill Brook are $459,000; and repairs to the Route 8A North bridge over Maxwell Brook are estimated to be $403,000.