The Jesup Road Bridge in Westport, Connecticut, sustained severe damage during flash flooding on the previous day and will likely require a full span replacement that could take one year to 18 months, according to the Director of Public Works. The short span connecting Imperial Avenue to the Westport Library, town police headquarters, and the Levitt Pavilion is now closed from Imperial Avenue to Bay Street.
Westport bridge severely damaged in flash flood, may require 18 months to replace
The Jesup Road Bridge in Westport, Connecticut, sustained severe damage during flash flooding on the previous day and will likely require a full span replacement that could take one year to 18 months, according to the Director of Public Works. The short span connecting Imperial Avenue to the Westport Library, town police headquarters, and the Levitt Pavilion is now closed from Imperial Avenue to Bay Street.
The flooding dumped 7.3 inches of rain on Westport, as measured by a public works rain gauge at Town Hall. Fire, police, and public works crews responded to emergency calls throughout the event. First responders rescued 13 people trapped in their vehicles by flood waters and approximately 15 to 20 residents from homes, according to Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen. One firefighter sustained a minor injury during response operations; no other injuries were reported among responders or residents.
Several other bridges in town sustained minor damage but did not require closure. After the rains subsided, public works crews cleared storm drains to allow flood waters to drain and erected barricades in areas where roadways were compromised. Two sanitary sewer pump stations suffered damage, with one temporarily taken offline; public works crews worked to restore service.
Between the previous morning and noon on the day of reporting, the fire department fielded approximately 120 calls. From the previous afternoon onward, emergency responders handled 130 flood-related calls. By early afternoon on the day of reporting, the situation had largely calmed, though a few calls continued to come in regarding electrical issues and other storm-related matters. Eversource reported that 13 of its 12,836 Westport customers experienced outages, a number that had dropped to fewer than five by mid-afternoon.
Town officials continue inspecting bridges and roads for damage. The town provided a method for residents to report flood-related damage and unmet needs through the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to help determine whether Connecticut may be eligible for post-disaster programs through the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Small Business Administration. The educational center Earthplace announced it was closed for building maintenance and storm recovery.
- The source does not state the estimated cost of replacing the Jesup Road Bridge.
- The source does not identify the type or cause of damage sustained by the two sanitary sewer pump stations.
- The source does not describe the extent of property damage to residences and businesses beyond noting that the town is documenting it.
- The source does not provide details on the minor damage sustained by the several other bridges mentioned.
Read the original at Westport Journal