CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Travelers along Cross Road will have to deal with a one-lane bridge for awhile. 

 

The span over the Hudson Brook was sectioned off Thursday to only allow traffic on the southern side. The state Department of Transportation informed town officials last month that the deteriorating structure was no longer safe enough to carry loads on the north side. 

 

"The change will remain in place until funding can be obtained to replace the structure in its entirety," said Town Administrator Carl McKinney in release announcing the traffic advisory. "Our engineers have reviewed the bridge and have proposed several replacement options going forward."

 

The bridge is the latest in a number of infrastructure issues the town has been dealing with. It's been lower on the priority list as East Road and Gates Avenue bridges, and West Cross and Horrigan roads were addressed. With paving on Horrigan Road bringing that project to completion, town officials are now looking at how to manage the Cross Road span. 

 

The bridge, which dates back 50-60 years, has obvious deterioration, with rusty rebar poking out of the concrete and footings that are being undermined. 

 

Estimates to replace the bridge are hovering at about $1.5 million to $1.8 million. Last month, McKinney said the town's engineers offered a solution that could save the town $400,000 to $500,000 "by doing away completely with the bridge and doing an aluminum arch on footings and making it a little get longer to accommodate our Complete Streets bicycle lane."

 

Town officials are also considering applying for a MassWorks grant, such as was used to reconstruct West Cross Road. 

 

An arch bridge was used to replace the failing span at East Road. 

 

Until a solution is found, the north side of the bridge will be closed off by a guard rail. Stop signs have been installed on both sides and the protocol requires vehicles approaching the bridge to come to a complete stop.

 

The first vehicle to approach the structure and come to a complete stop has the right of way. The town is asking for cooperation and patience during this time.