Bridge enhancements are debated

NASHUA – To beautify or not to beautify – that was the question of a joint meeting held between the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Public Works Thursday night to discuss possible bridge enhancements for the future Broad Street Parkway. The special session was meant to exchange ideas and take public input on the possibility of spending about $1.8 million more to make the three future archways coming to the city along with the Broad Street Parkway better looking. Later this month, the Board of Public Works will meet and decide whether to go to bid with alternative plans that include some bridge enhancements as options for the design, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said. Between the Tree Streets and Broad Street, the city will construct three bridges as part of the parkway, which is expected to be completed in December 2014. Bridges over Fairmount and Baldwin streets will cost a combined $7 million, while the Nashua River bridge itself will cost between $8 million and $9 million, project manager John Vancor said. On Thursday, aldermen mulled the difference between haunched and straight giders, tinted or colored surface treatments, and three different types of ornamental lighting, bridge rail materials – among other elements – which, combined, could mean the difference of spending about $600,000 more per bridge, but still could stay within the project’s $68 million price tag, funded between city and federal dollars. Aldermen approved a $37.6 million bond for the city’s share of the costs in 2008. “The purpose of tonight is really just the opportunity to have a discussion of whether we do or don’t do something,” Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said. “Do I think its important for the Nashua River Bridge to have an entry? I do. … Does it mean we have to do something on all the bridges, I don’t think so.” Approximately 14 members of the public sat in on the meeting. The handful of those who spoke up during it voiced opposition against spending more dollars on aesthetics for the Fairmount and Bridge Streets – if not all three of them. “Just because the money’s in the bond doesn’t mean you have to borrow it,” said resident Michael Chrissis.