In 2019, the Pinello Road Bridge was damaged beyond repair due to the flooding of Gilead Brook, which caused significant scour and complete failure of one of the bridge abutments. The Town of Bethel installed a temporary bridge to maintain access to the road but needed a permanent solution to restore this vital connection. VHB supported the Town in vetting permanent replacement alternatives, helping to navigate FEMA requirements while providing cost estimates, environmental permitting, final design, bidding, and construction inspection services for a new bridge that would provide improved access, safety, and mobility for the community.
VHB's new bridge design improved the structure’s resiliency and reduced future maintenance costs, significantly benefiting the Town and surrounding property owners. Unlike the previous structure, which only spanned 38 feet, the new bridge spans the full width of Gilead Brook and consists of a 68-foot-long steel girder bridge with a cast-in-place concrete deck on integral abutments. The new bridge offers improved hydraulic performance and an armored roadway embankment, which provides further scour protection against future flood events.
VHB was proud to partner with the Town to deliver a resilient, lasting solution that supports its vision for a safer, more connected Bethel.
