By Susan MacEachron

The reconstruction of the two bridges in south Norfolk, and an emergency driveway repair were addressed at the Inland Wetlands Agency meeting on May 4.

David McKay, an engineer from Garg Consulting Services, Inc., attended the meeting and briefly reviewed plans for the bridges on Old Goshen Road and Smith Road which had been discussed in detail at the April 6 Wetlands meeting. Chair Hartley Mead had requested that the Conservation Commission review the plantings being proposed as part of the project. Minutes from the Conservation Commission meeting and an email from Chair Susannah Wood confirmed the proposed plantings were acceptable. The commission asked that the contractors insist any mulch purchased be free of Asian jumping worms. The two bridges were unanimously approved. Construction of the Old Goshen Road bridge is expected to begin in April 2027. The Smith Road bridge is a Spring 2028 project.

Bryce Zygmont, the contractor for the owners of 11 Grant Street Extension, explained how the driveway to the house crosses a watercourse via a small bridge, built approximately 20 years ago. Owners Mark and Bella Erder were planning a repair to the bridge, but a heavy rain made the situation urgent. Zygmont explained that the bridge did not have abutments and the rain had left a deep hole between the bank and the bridge. He completed an application for emergency work with Wetlands Enforcement Officer Stacey Sefcik. Sefcik explained that since the work was directly in wetlands she was not authorized to approve, and it had to be presented to the agency members. Zygmont provided photos and an explanation of the work. Sefcik said the erosion controls installed were effective and that the water appeared clear while work was underway. She had also checked immediately prior to the meeting, and the area has been stabilized and seeded. Wetlands unanimously approved the application