(The following story by Amy Renczkowski appeared on The Day website on February 19, 2010.)
EAST LYME, Conn. — Amtrak announced Thursday that the replacement of the Niantic River Bridge will begin March 1. Town officials are making preparations by closing a section of the boardwalk.
The eastern portion, which begins at the wooden boardwalk section and continues to the bridge area, will be closed until further notice.
After March 1 the boardwalk will be accessible to the public from the Hole in the Wall Beach only, and approximately half will remain open during the replacement project.
Amtrak awarded a $104.7 million, three-year contract to Cianbro/Middlesex VII of Pittsfield, Maine, to construct a two-track bridge south of the present alignment. Included is expanding the navigation channel beneath the bridge, realigning the east and west track approaches, and relocating the boardwalk, including beach restoration.