The bridge construction project, initially granted an order of conditions in 2018, had undergone design modifications to include additional scour protection and adjustments for utility corridors. Challenges faced by the project were brought to light, particularly the coordination with utility companies to accommodate gas mains and the subsequent impact on the project’s footprint. Increased construction costs necessitated the search for extra funding, emphasizing the project’s escalated financial demands.

The design now features a 28-foot span with a three-sided open bottom to support stream crossing standards. The bridge will also accommodate travel lanes, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks, promoting a complete street concept. Noteworthy is the bridge’s 44-foot width and discussions around the evaluation of the existing bridge’s age and condition, stressing the importance of modern infrastructure that meets current safety and environmental standards.

In addressing the utility challenges, the project coordinators detailed the complexities of placing gas mains through the bridge’s wing walls and provided assurances regarding the safety measures for high-pressure transmission lines.

The commission members contemplated a site visit to the bridge construction area to gain firsthand insight into the project’s progress and the mitigation measures being implemented in the wetland area adjacent to the bridge. The scheduling of this site visit was discussed, considering other community events such as Pine Meadow day.

In addition to the bridge project, the commission also discussed the development of rules and regulations surrounding the use of personal watercraft on Sandy Pond and Long Pond. The potential for restriction of jet skis was debated.

Further discussions included flood plain mitigation and the installation of a wildlife barrier on the Crane property. The Planning Board’s concerns regarding road construction and stormwater management on Third Street were also brought to the table, highlighting ongoing development issues within the town.

Updates on the Earth Day event on McPherson Road and the planting of the Pocket Forest at the Ayer Shirley Middle School were shared. Additionally, the commission discussed the town meeting’s approval of the water treatment budget and the acquisition of 71 Sandy Pond Road.

As part of the meeting’s procedural matters, a motion to continue the public hearing for the West Main Street bridge replacement project was made, along with the announcement of future events and activities.