Back in June, a letter was sent to the Addison Independent signed by 39 business owners and citizens asking the simple question, “Why can’t this bridge project be re-evaluated?” Since that time there have been meetings with Agency of Transportation representatives where alternative engineering options were presented that can reduce cost and duration of the project while addressing safety, environmental and transportation issues.
Such a simple premise. Cut time and cost in half (a very conservative estimate) and still meet safety, environmental and transportation objectives. Why is this request so hard? What are the hidden obstacles?
The roadblocks are not design or implementation. We need to have this project re-evaluated and reviewed. We are paying for this project underestimated to cost around $50 million. We will endure the disruption and bear the consequences to our community. It is important to speak out and to ask our representatives and governor to take a hard look at this.
Donna Donahue
Middlebury