by Staff | Mar 6, 2015 5:31 pm

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Posted to: Fair Haven

The city has closed down the Chapel Bridge through the weekend into next week to make emergency repairs.

The reason is explained in the following city press release:

“Public Works officials have closed the city’s Chapel Street Bridge to vehicular traffic until emergency repairs can be completed. The span is expected to remain closed to cars and trucks for the entire weekend and into next week.

“Earlier today the bridge, which carries Chapel Street across the Mill River, was opened to allow passage of marine traffic on the river. Mechanical trouble occurred while attempting to close the bridge – a component of the mechanism that lifts and locks the bridge broke.

“Engineers were called to the site immediately to assess the nature and extent of the malfunction. According to Public Works officials a replacement part and supplier has been identified; repairs are scheduled to begin Monday.

“Until the repair is complete, the bridge will remain out of service for vehicular traffic, in a closed position. The bridge remains operational to allow for marine traffic if and as required. The bridge will continue to be staffed around-the-clock as per U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

“The city’s Department of Transportation, Traffic, and Parking has posted detour signs to minimize travel disruptions in the area. As a precaution, all crash gates on the approaches to the bridge will remain in a lowered position with lights flashing. The Chapel Street Bridge remains open for pedestrian crossings.”