Some years ago in 2008, a notable bridge serving southern Rhode Island and Connecticut had been closed down due to its deterioration in structure. These developed damages, over the span of roughly forty years or so, have compromised the safety of vehicles traveling on Boombridge rd. Upon taking a closer look at this bridge, there is noticeable holes in this foundation once built in the 1960s.
According to the Westerly Sun article posted in January of 2015, the repairs to this bridge involve contributions from the Federal Government with the remaining balances to be covered equally by RI and CT. However, it has taken some years for this project to ensue, and perhaps the importance of this route was not emphasized enough in this time?
This road is tranquil and quiet, farms nearby are adjoined with local paths and forests surrounding the Pawcatuck River. The ease of traveling to main highways and routes from this location is essential for locals between both states.
To be frank, this bridge has saved many drivers some serious traveling time.
Time is money, no doubt. The Beriah Lewis Farm, (established in 1791!!!) has been one to suffer because of the bridge being out, according to The Day post in October of 2015, and luckily there has been apparent motion in planning an official date for the reconstruction- late 2016/early 2017 (rough estimation according to these two articles as well as some people in town have pointed out- this fix is still strictly a possibility).
Let us hope this plan follows through and provides the town of Westerly and North Stonington with its beautiful backroad access between both states. I remember getting my license when this bridge was officially closed down, personally this meant a twenty minute detour getting to school, although this was not a case where I was losing hundreds of dollars by the day. On smaller and larger scales, there is certainty that several towns are keeping their fingers crossed concerning the restoration of this bridge.
