NIANTIC, CT (WFSB) -
The Amtrak Bridge replacement project in Niantic is right on track with a major aspect of the $125 million dollar project to take place this weekend.
The Niantic channel is wider, the concrete abutments are in place and starting Sunday, the steel lift span will arrive on a barge and work will begin to erect that phase.
Contractors are working steadily to complete the $125 million bridge replacement over the Niantic River.
It's one of Amtrak's biggest projects, building a new span which will replace the century-old lift span which has failed Amtrak riders and local mariners.
"Barges are in the channel working and assembling steel for the new lift spans, that's what we are doing now during the winter," said Peter Finch, the project manager.
Arriving this weekend via barge from a steel plant in Alabama will be the all the pieces of the new 100 foot long, 700 ton lift span.
Once on site, the cranes that are already in place will work in concert to put it together. The new bridge is designed to make life easier for everyone.
"The marine traffic is going to a wider channel. It's going to a 100 feet from currently 45 feet that will be an improvement. It's a little bit higher about 5 to 6 feet higher," Finch said.
Locals are anxious for the Niantic boardwalk to reopen.
Damaged by a serious of Noreasters, the town has settled with the original contractor and reconstruction of the popular shoreline feature will begin soon.
"It was really nice, it's a shame what happened to it. Apparently it wasn't constructed properly," said Irene Fichtman.
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