BRISTOL — Heavy rains over the weekend caused the slope buttressing West Street in Bristol to slide away, causing concern that the road could be unstable.

CREWS IN BRISTOL on Monday are working to repair a slope failure that occurred across from Martin’s Hardware on West Street. Delays and possible detours were expected on the road beginning on Monday.
Photos courtesy of Peeker Heffernan

Crews on Monday are working to address a slope failure west of the Village Creeme Stand. Residents and commuters can expect delays and potential detours as repair efforts proceed on the road, which is also known as Routes 116 and 17.

The landslide occurred directly across from Martin’s Hardware, which is located at 68 West St.

“Earlier today, selectboard Chair Peeker Heffernan and Public Works Foreman Eric Cota conducted an on-site assessment of the slope failure,” Interim Town Administrator Ian Albinson wrote in a Front Porch Forum post on Sunday. “Due to the severity of the landslide and its close proximity to the road, they have determined that immediate action is necessary to ensure public safety and maintain access to our pedestrian-friendly village center.”

Repair efforts were scheduled to begin on Monday morning and be led by Heffernan with support from the town’s Public Works Department.

Albinson said motorists can expect delays and possible detours on West Street starting on Monday. He noted that Martin’s Hardware and other businesses in the area will remain open, but access might be adjusted temporarily.

Residents are asked to avoid the area directly across from Martin’s Hardware and observe all posted safety barriers.

“This slope failure comes after our recent spring weather patterns and is being addressed swiftly to minimize disruption to our community’s daily activities and to ensure continued safe access to our downtown area for residents and visitors alike,” Albinson wrote.

Late Monday morning, a driver alerted us that the town has set up temporary stoplights, so he foresaw traffic congestion and delays.

Anyone with urgent questions or concerns is asked to contact the town office at 802-453-2410.