February 11, 2026
Members present: Nick Dethlefsen, David Tolli, Susan Okie, John Laudati, Fred Jones, Vickie Dirienzo. Also present: IWWC Agent Kate Bednaz and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Simsbury Road Bridge
There is a permit request for the Simsbury Road Bridge replacement over the West Branch of Salmon Brook within a regulated area. Engineer John Wengell of CHA Solutions, representing the town, discussed the application. The Town of Granby is seeking to replace the existing two-span, 111-foot bridge, which was built in 1956. The current bridge has a curb-to-curb width of 22 feet, carries bi-directional traffic in a northerly/southerly direction, and the width of the existing bank is 56 feet. Wengell described existing conditions and the proposed replacement. The new structure will consist of 48.5-inch-deep steel beams with a concrete deck, two 10-foot travel lanes, and two five-foot shoulders. Curb-to-curb width will be 30 feet and overall length will be 105 feet with a 43-degree skew. Wengell noted that the existing center abutment will be removed, riprap will be placed along the substructure and toe boulders will be placed at the embankments.
An overview was provided for the proposed traffic detour, water handling and site restoration, including total temporary and permanent wetland and watercourse impacts. The anticipated start date is spring of 2027, and selected trees must be cut prior to April 14 due to ecological concerns. Bednaz provided some feedback on the application, and requested additional information on the dewatering staging area and discharge, wetland resource areas, the mean high-water line and how that elevation relates to the shelf being created, etc.
The commission voted 6-0-0 to receive the application and schedule a public hearing for March 11, at 7 p.m. due to public interest and significant impact.