Clarksburg Accelerates Temporary Bridge Installation on Route 8

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has moved up its schedule to install a temporary Acrow panel bridge over the Hoosic River on Route 8 in Clarksburg. After an inspection deemed the 66‑year‑old Red Mills Bridge structurally deficient, officials said the bridge must be closed unless immediate repairs are made. The emergency‑type modular bridge, designed for both temporary and permanent use, will provide two lanes and is slated to be in place before the Columbus Day weekend, with work expected to start on August 10 and finish by October 9, weather permitting. During construction, Route 8 will be closed and traffic detoured via a loop that includes Henderson Road, East Road, Daniels Road, Walker Street and Union Street.

The state is also planning a full replacement of the bridge, though a definitive timeline has not been set. Construction firm Clayton Davenport Trucking has been engaged to install the temporary span, but contract details and costs have not been disclosed.