Chicopee/Holyoke Bridge Closes For Repair Work

The commute between Chicopee and Holyoke is getting more complicated. State transportation officials say the Willimansett Bridge that spans the Connecticut River between the two communities is closing to vehicle traffic Monday for a $19 million reconstruction project. The span handles about 15,000 vehicles per day.

State Department of Transportation officials say rehabilitation work will include replacement of the bridge deck, sidewalks and railings. Several steel trusses and girders and at least one of the piers also will be replaced.

Pedestrians will still be able to use the 120-year-old bridge.

The work is scheduled to take about two and a half years.