HAWLEY — In a routine inspection, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) found major deficiencies in the Route 8A bridge over the Chickley River near Savoy Road.

As a result, the bridge has been reduced to one lane of traffic until it can be replaced. There is no weight restriction and trucks of all sizes are still allowed to cross. Selectboard Chair Hussain Hamdan said MassDOT has many bridges in need of replacement, so Hawley’s bridge will likely not take priority until 2028.

Chunks of concrete can be found underneath the bridge, and there are large eroded sections on the abutments. Pieces of rebar are also visible.

This damage, Hamdan said, is likely not new and happened because of “age and wear and tear.” The damage was likely not caused by the summer’s heavy rainstorms.

There are several orange traffic cones placed on the bridge. Hamdan said Hawley is working to add signs about the lane closure and asked the state for a mobile traffic light to help direct traffic over the now one-lane bridge.

“We are concerned because of limited visibility on the road,” he said.

Hamdan expressed concern for the situation because Route 8A is a “major artery” for Franklin and Hampshire counties, and many drivers outside of Hawley will experience the consequences of a failed bridge on the road.

The Selectboard has reached out to local legislators to inform them about the bridge’s deficiencies and to request any help they can provide in expediting the replacement process. Hamdan said the bridge is now considered the top-priority infrastructure project in town, eclipsing the curvy section of Route 8A known as the Dugway that is in need of a retaining wall.

“We will make it as safe as we can under the circumstances,” Hamdan said. “If 8A ever has to be shut down, I fear that all our neighbors will find out in short order.”

Reach Bella Levavi
at 413-930-4579 or
blevavi@recorder.com.

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