DALTON, Mass. — The town's lowest-rated bridge is slated for an approximately $2.5 million reconstruction project.

 

During the Select Board meeting on Monday it was announced that the town has been awarded a $1 million grant through the Municipal Small Bridge Program for the bridge on Grange Hall Road over Barton Brook, located near Patricia Avenue. 

 

The town's engineers estimated the total cost to complete is $2,335,000, however these estimates tend to run a little high, Town Manager Eric Anderson said. 

 

"It's an expensive project, there is no question but it does have to be done. That is the culvert the town has with the lowest rating in town," he said. 

 

If the town were to decide to delay the project, which would revoke its eligibility for the state grant, then it would be on the hook for the total cost.

 

When the town agrees to the grant, it is agreeing to this bridge project, Anderson said. 

 

According to the state website, the short span bridge, built in 1938, was inspected on July 20, 2025 and rated as structurally deficient.