NORTHFIELD — The Friends of Schell Bridge is seeking community input by July 10 to help choose one of two possible design plans for a small park that will be created next to the bridge.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends of Schell Bridge and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) have continued to develop their designs for the Schell Bridge replacement project. According to Barbara Richardson, chair of the Friends of Schell Bridge, MassDOT is planning a formal public hearing to be scheduled in late summer or early fall, likely in a virtual format due to public health restrictions.
In the meantime, Northfield’s Schell Bridge Advisory Committee is reviewing early design plans for a park space on the east side of the Connecticut River.
“We hope it will get people excited,” Richardson said. “It’s a chance to continue to educate people who are interested and supportive of the project.”
As of Thursday, Richardson said comments were starting to come in already. The feedback will help inform the planning process.
When finished, the small and scenic park space will be at the end of East Northfield Road, close to the bridge and south of the Pauchaug Boat Ramp. Richardson said MassDOT has provided photos of materials from the existing bridge and ideas about how they will be incorporated into the park space.
In preparation for upcoming meetings, Richardson sent a notice to Northfield residents with the two design drafts, Concept Plan A and Concept Plan B. The designs can be viewed at bit.ly/2Zugx3X.
Concept Plan A is a circular space inspired by the clover-type shape found in the arch of the bridge. The symmetrical clover shape of Plan A would be oriented toward the two main views from the overlook: the bridge and the river. Colored asphalt would overlap the bike path to complete the third ring of the park’s clover design. A reused arch of the original bridge would stand as a gateway over the entrance to the entire park.
Concept Plan B is a non-symmetrical, organic shape. This design would involve two main nodes that direct views toward the new bridge and the Connecticut River. For this plan, the reused arch of the original bridge would stand as a gateway to the overlook facing the new bridge.
Both designs would be edged with a granite block retaining wall to impede access to the steep slopes by the river. They each incorporate a bike rack, benches and a panel with information about the Schell Bridge, as well as a relocated bridge plaque.
Residents and town officials on the Friends of Schell Bridge mailing list who received the design plans, and Richardson’s email address, must send her their preferred design choice and any comments ahead of MassDOT’s July 10 deadline.
Image Boards – Sans Interpretive Panels by Zachary DeLuca on Scribd
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.