The monument stone read 2012, date completed of the Hadley Overpass. Now, it's 2014 and the work and problems go on and, we continue to be strapped with the inconvenience and taxpayer cost of this long drawn out and overdue project. Let me tell you of the most recent setback and continuing problems with the historic bridge.

Last week, I received a call from a concerned citizen who was looking for guidance in what he should do to investigate what he indicated were cracks in the curbing on both sides of the bridge. He was advised to call the mayor to discuss the concern. In the mean time, this writer took a look and saw what was the basis of the recent call. Every foot to two, hairline cracks appear on the curbing. Not only that but, the decking also show cracking. Speaking to a local engineer, he also voiced concern with the quality of the project and indicated that oversight of the project seemed to be quite lacking.

Now, despite all the years of waiting, frustration, and cracking of concrete, the unspeakable occurred recently when a bike rider got his wheel caught between the expansion gap in the bridge. He went flying and ended up with a broken shoulder.

Are corrections taking place? Yes, patches have been put over the cracks and the expansion joint has been fixed but the fact remains that we are getting less than expected. I believe that over the coming years that the concrete problem will re-emerge as hot and cold weather along with traffic will see deterioration of the concrete at the points of repair.

Next time you pass over the Hadley Bridge take a quick glance at the patching that has gone on with this expensive structure for which you and I are footing the bill. Then if you feel the way I do, give the mayor and or the state a call and express your concern. Seems like in hindsight, it would have been more expedient to have constructed a completely new structure.

Just a finishing note! If you remember that in Pittsfield they put up a solid concrete wall on the roadway blocking the view of Pontoosuc Lake. This drew the anger of many people which ultimately resulted in this new wall to be torn down and replaced with a railing structure so that the view was once again visible. Maybe we need to have our elected officials lead the way in seeing that the Hadley Overpass is a first rate and acceptable project.

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