HEATH — Route 8A between West Branch Road and Brunelle Road is fully closed due to bridge repairs.

According to the contract signed with J.H. Maxymillian Inc., based out of Pittsfield, the bridge will reopen no later than Aug. 1. The wing walls and abutments will be repaired, and the deck of the bridge will be fully replaced.

“The possibility of it opening sooner would be great,” commented Highway Superintendent Jeffrey Johnston.

The town received a Municipal Small Bridge Program grant from the state Department of Transportation for the project in 2019. Although the town originally got $500,000, the grant was later amended to add an extra $100,000, according to Johnston.

The COVID-19 pandemic prolonged the start of this project, according to Town Coordinator Hilma Sumner.

The detour for the project takes Number 9 Road to Burrington Hill Road in Whitingham, Vermont, which then loops back to Route 8A north of the state line. There are also shorter routes drivers can take using dirt roads.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

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