(The following article by Karin Crompton was posted on the Day website on September 30.)
EAST LYME, Conn. — The Coast Guard is reviewing an application from Amtrak regarding the realignment of the Niantic River railroad bridge, and is seeking public input.
The project includes replacing the existing span, built in 1907, with one 58 feet to the south.
According to the notice, the new bridge will be 44.5 feet wide, a little more than 11 feet wider than the existing one. The work is being proposed because of “moderate to severe corrosion of steel members, and of other structural, mechanical and electrical components of the existing bridge.”
The notice says the 45-foot channel width will be maintained for most of the construction, which is expected to last three years. The notice also says that the existing bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic places.
Anyone interested in submitting an opinion should write by Oct. 26 to: Commander, First Coast Guard District, Battery Park Building, One South St., New York, NY 10004-1466.