A walk to the bridge
December 6th, 2009
Today Ethan and I too a walk down to look at the new bridge that was opened last week.
I think they did a nice job on it. Not totally crazy about the baby blue paint but I really like the wood surface. I guess it wasn’t necessary, but it looks nice around all the trees to have the wood planks and I feel like there is a subtle but nice difference in driving over wood than pavement.Â
I do feel a little bad for the people who enjoyed having a quiet street because it’s a pretty and peaceful little area but while were visiting the bridge, a few cars seemed to be driving faster than they should have (speed limit is 25) and one guy totally wailed over it and was still accelerating as he sped off into the distance toward Ski Market. I think if the town wanted to make some money, they could set up a speed trap there. Anyway, it’s a nice bridge and I’m glad it’s open.
On the way we walked by Bowditch field. It’s weird to see it with all of the bleachers are gone.Â
I never went to a game or anything there but it sounded like the bleachers were in serious need of repair and crumbling so I think it’s great the town is doing something about it. I remember voting for this project’s approval at town meeting, what seems like 2 years ago and forgot about it until they recently started working on it. I’m looking forward to watching the progress on this.
Wow! I can’t believe this bridge is finally open. I remember driving over the old one, but that was YEARS ago.
Comment by Michael — December 6, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
I read that they were considering making the speed limit 25 (which is a great idea) but didn’t realize that already happened? the board of selectmen are doing a traffic study and there is one selectman who would like this road to be one way heading westbound, meaning all surrounding neighborhoods would be permanently inconvenienced (as if the 10 year closure wasn’t enough). Why bother building a bridge if you are aren’t going to restore the use to what it was? It was always a busy road, with speeders. They should deal with the speeders specifically as you say, but not punish the rest of us (with the increased traffic and trucks) who use the road safely and responsibly and consider it a major convenience.
I oppose the road being one way. Imagine if we made every road that has speeders and/or a bridge one way? We’d all be driving in circles in our own neighborhoods.
Comment by CherG — December 6, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
My boyfriend loved to go down to the track to run up and down the bleachers, so was sad to see them go…although it sounds like they needed to! Any idea if they’ll be reconstructing them, and if they’ll be of a comparable height?
Comment by Sarah L. — December 6, 2009 @ 11:32 pm
Cher, I drove by the bridge again today and I’d like to correct myself. There are signs posted for 25 mph only one side of Main St and don’t seem to have to do with the bridge. since they are posted after one would have already crossed the bridge.
Comment by michelle — December 7, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Sarah, My understanding is that both bleachers will be reconstructed; the north side to have locker room and bathroom facilities underneath.
Comment by Matt — December 7, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
I heard the bleachers got all worn out from people running up and down them.
Comment by Hayduke — December 8, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Maybe the town should install a big speed bump. They might not make as much money as if they put in a speed trap, but they could sell tickets so people could watch the startled looks on drivers faces when they go over it.
Comment by Susie — December 8, 2009 @ 1:55 pm
I was a bleacher runner, and I am very sad to see them go.
I heard that they will be putting up aluminum bleachers like the ones at Framingham State…for us stair rummers that is not good news…too slippery.
Maybe it was a bad rumor.
Comment by yana — December 8, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
I hope the aluminum bleachers are a rumor. We go to the high school football games and enjoy the solid bleachers. We’ve been to fields with the aluminum ones and they are just scary.
Comment by Clinton — December 11, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
They are aluminum bleachers. Much more cost effective. Solid stadium bleachers would have added millions to the project
Comment by frank — December 11, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
How long before that wooden bridge rots and needs to be closed for another 10 years? There’s a wooden bridge in Franklin that closed in the last year.
Comment by Kris — December 15, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Kris, you are a downer ! Just enjoy the new bridge !! lol
Comment by FRANK — December 17, 2009 @ 7:50 am