Repairs to Princeton’s Brown Bridge are taking longer and costing more than was originally estimated. However according to director of infrastructure Michael Mazurek the results will be worth it.
“We have decided not to rush given the scope of work,” he said in an interview with The Spotlight. “It’s one of those ones that we don’t have a choice in. That bridge is very important to our community and it has to be done correctly.”
The project is likely to cost between $40,000 and $50,000, he said.
The bridge was initially going to be under repair for three weeks – reopening on October 23.
“Work is in progress. We are very committed to trying to finish the bridge to allow vehicle traffic by the end of the month,” said Mazurek.
Following that the bridge will be closed for short periods of time while additional repairs to railings, curbs and the pedestrian walk way are completed.
“It will almost look like a new bridge when it is done.”
Mazurek said the project was more complicated than first thought.
“There were a few more of the cross supporters that were more damaged than we expected but we couldn’t see them until we removed the decking.”
The town had planned to replace 40 crossbeams – out of a total of 120 – but will end up replacing and or adding 80, he said.