GEORGIA, VT — Major repairs are set to begin June 30 on the Highbridge connecting central and eastern Georgia, Vermont. The two-month project will completely close the span over the Lamoille River until September 8, prompting traffic detours and emergency response adjustments.

The bridge, which links Route 104A and Georgia Mountain Road, was built in 1986 and flagged in a 2022 Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) report for deterioration. The findings included "heavy epoxy wear and a cracking joint header," along with other minor issues that will now be addressed.

“The town has taken all necessary safety precautions and is coordinating with neighboring towns to ensure continued emergency response coverage during the closure,” said Stacy Katon, Georgia’s town administrator.

With the bridge closed, traffic will be rerouted through Arrowhead Lake Road, North Road, and Milton’s Main Street to Route 7. Emergency services will also rely on assistance from Fairfax Rescue, Milton police, and local EMS.

The upcoming work includes concrete restoration, improved roadway approaches, an epoxy overlay, and guardrail enhancements.

The project is not supported by state or federal bridge funds, and will instead be paid for with local reserves. “The project will be primarily funded through reserve funds that have been built up over several years by local tax dollars,” Katon explained.

The selectboard estimated in January that $306,000 had been set aside for the job.

Georgia Elementary and Middle School resumes classes August 27 — about two weeks before the estimated end of the repair window. However, Katon expressed cautious optimism the work might wrap sooner.

“The engineer and contractors don’t want to promise anything,” she told the board earlier this month, “as the work is somewhat weather contingent.”

Katon added, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this important infrastructure project.”

The Highbridge closure underscores the challenges rural towns face in maintaining aging infrastructure with limited access to state or federal aid.

Local leaders opted to proactively fund the needed repairs from reserves rather than risk further deterioration or safety concerns. By scheduling the closure during summer, officials aimed to minimize disruption to school operations and allow time for emergency response coordination.

Still, the bridge shutdown will affect commutes and logistics for many residents on Georgia’s east side, especially as school season approaches.

With 70 days of detours and weather-sensitive work ahead, the town’s ability to stick to the schedule could impact not only traffic but also public confidence in local infrastructure planning.

Originally reported by Aidon Schonbrun in SA Messenger.