During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need for repairs on a century-old bridge, emphasizing the risks associated with its deteriorating condition. The project is projected to take approximately 30 months from start to finish, with concerns raised about the bridge's ability to support increasing traffic loads.

One official highlighted the precarious state of the bridge, noting that it has been maintained with temporary fixes, raising alarms about its vulnerability to accidents. The discussion underscored the inevitability of an incident occurring if the bridge is not addressed promptly, especially with anticipated increases in traffic.

Another key point raised was the regulatory hurdles involved in replacing the bridge. Officials noted that any new structure must be approved by the Corps of Engineers, which could prolong the timeline significantly.

Michelle Bartlett, a participant in the meeting, shared insights from discussions with local police and fire departments, confirming that contingency plans are already in place to address potential emergencies, although details are kept confidential for safety reasons.

Concerns about liabilities associated with the bridge's ownership were also addressed, with assurances that existing liabilities would not automatically transfer in the event of a sale, contingent on contractual agreements.

The timeline for the bridge's repairs remains tentative, with estimates suggesting that foundational work could begin in 2025, while the complete structural repairs may not be finalized until 2026. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of prioritizing safety and transparency as the project moves forward.