SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Town officials issued a public update Thursday outlining where the long-delayed Christian Hill Bridge project stands as voters prepare to weigh in on competing proposals at the March town election.

The notice comes amid heightened debate following the introduction of two citizen petition articles that could either delay replacement of the bridge or preserve the existing structure in place.

From Emergency Closure to Replacement Plan

The bridge’s future has been under discussion for more than a decade.

In August 2014, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation ordered the immediate closure of the Christian Hill Road bridge after inspectors found widespread structural decay, including deterioration in timber supports and settlement on one end of the span. The bridge — which crosses the Ashuelot Rail Trail — had already been on the state’s “red list” of deficient bridges for years.

The shutdown forced a detour affecting roughly two dozen homes and made clear that long-term replacement would be necessary.

Following the closure, Swanzey formed a Christian Hill Bridge Advisory Committee and conducted engineering studies, which ultimately recommended full replacement.

Funding Shift Reduced Local Costs

In March 2020, voters approved moving forward with engineering and construction planning using a funding model that included 80% state aid.

That financial outlook improved significantly in 2021 and 2022 when federal infrastructure funding was secured to fully cover construction costs. Under the current plan, the town’s only financial responsibility is its 20% share of design and engineering.

Officials also incorporated aesthetic features requested by nearby residents and developed a plan to reuse portions of the existing bridge to repair a washout along the Ashuelot Rail Trail — a move intended to address two infrastructure needs without additional taxpayer expense.

Questions Raised by Petition Articles

Discussion of the bridge intensified earlier this month when two petitioned warrant articles were introduced.

One proposal would delay removal of the existing bridge for a year while a committee studies its impact on the West Swanzey Historic District. The other calls for preserving the bridge where it currently stands.

At this week’s deliberative session, residents expressed sharply divided views. Some argued the bridge is an important historic and visual landmark worth saving. Others warned that delaying or halting the replacement project could jeopardize between $2 million and $2.5 million in grant funding and prolong safety concerns tied to the deteriorated structure.

Town officials emphasized in Thursday’s update that:

  • The state will fully fund construction of a new bridge

  • The town’s cost is limited to design and engineering

  • The project has already completed federal, environmental, and historic reviews

  • Planned reuse of bridge components would help repair rail trail damage at no added local cost

Decision Now Rests With Voters

Both citizen petition articles will appear on the March 10 ballot, where voters will decide whether to allow the replacement project to proceed as planned or pursue preservation-related alternatives.

Town leaders said they will continue providing updates as the process moves forward.