Sand Hill bridge set for spring 2014

Replacing the Sand Hill bridge (East Middlebury) is now scheduled for spring 2014.  This has implications for Ripton, as route 125 runs through the bridge.

For example, here's the latest on how the bridge construction will be handled:

Drivers can expect Route 125 to be closed for 40 days, noted VTrans Project Manager Jennifer Fitch, though the contractor will have a financial incentive to finish more quickly. Travelers will have to resort to some detours. Out-of-town traffic, including trucks, will need to take Route 7 south into Brandon to pick up Route 73 to get over to Route 100, adding about 18 miles to the driver’s trip.

For area residents and emergency vehicles, the detour will mean using Upper Plains Road and Beaver Pond Road in Salisbury to get from Route 7 to Ripton.

“We will only sign regional detours,” Fitch said. “The town can choose to sign the local detour.”

What do you think?