Redding Awarded $4.6 Million In State Grants To Replace Three Bridges

REDDING, CT — The town of Redding has been awarded more than $4.5 million in state transportation grants to help fund the replacement of three aging bridges.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the funding as part of its State Local Bridge Program, which supports municipal efforts to upgrade and maintain critical local infrastructure.

Redding will receive approximately $4.6 million in grants covering half the cost of three upcoming projects:

• $1.1 million for replacing the bridge on Sport Hill Road spanning a stream;
• $2.5 million for the Greenbush Road bridge over Little River;
• $1 million for the Brookside Road bridge across Gilbert Bennett Brook.

The remaining 50 percent of each project’s cost will be covered by the town.

“Infrastructure repair and replacement are critical for public safety and our economy,” said State Rep. Anne Hughes, whose 135th District includes parts of Redding. “Thank you to the CTDOT for the recent awards to the town of Redding.”

Redding’s awards represent 20 percent of the total number of projects in this grant cycle and account for more than a quarter of the $17.6 million in funds awarded statewide, according to CTDOT.

Since 2016, the State Local Bridge Program has distributed approximately $162 million in grants to Connecticut municipalities. The program was established in 1984 under the Connecticut General Assembly’s Infrastructure Renewal Program to assist towns with the cost of rehabilitating and replacing local bridges.

"Our bridges are necessary points of connection across our communities, and keeping them safe for traffic passing every day is a vital need," said State Sen. Ceci Maher, who represents District 26 which includes Redding. "I'm so grateful to the Department of Transportation for this significant local support and it's relieving to know our local roads will remain safe for years to come."

Connecticut has around 4,200 local bridges and culverts on town-maintained roads, for which local governments are responsible. The State Local Bridge Program provides matching grants to relieve municipalities of some of the financial burden.

CTDOT said this latest round of funding will support 15 bridge projects across the state.

"This program helps keep locally owned bridges in good repair, ensuring they remain safe and reliable for all travelers," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.