A new weight restriction has been imposed on an aging Hampden bridge.
That reduced the safe load for Manning Mill Bridge over Souadabscook Stream to just under 3 tons, according to Hampden Town Manager Paula Scott.
The bridge’s weight limit was reduced earlier this year to 15 tons, complicating trash removal and heating oil deliveries for the six homes on the other side of the dead-end road.
Now this new restriction could complicate just crossing the bridge given the average weight of a passenger car is between 1.3 to 2.1 tons and of a pickup truck, depending on the model, is between 2 and 4 tons.
Hampden will hold a special town meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to address the future of the Manning Mill Bridge. Scott said Wednesday afternoon the town is “urgently” looking for solutions.
Repairs could cost at least $1 million, but the town also has considered building a new road for the homes on the other side.
Manning Mill Road lies between Emerson Mill Road and Interstate 95.