The new and massive I-beams at northbound I-95 Exit 17 have residents wondering: Is there really going to be a new bridge there?
New construction on Saugatuck Avenue, at I-95. (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
Not exactly.
Sometime this fall, the Saugatuck Avenue bridge will be replaced, using “accelerated bridge construction.”
A new bridge will be constructed adjacent to the existing bridge. That’s what the new I-beams will support.
Over a single weekend (Friday evening to Monday morning), the current bridge will be demolished. The new structure will be installed in its place.
The date for that complicated (but quick) work has not been set. The entire State Department of Transportation project — which extends south to Norwalk’s Exit 16 — is projected to run through November 1, 2024. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
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Speaking of I-95: Traffic is a mess this morning, throughout Westport.
A major accident on the highway northbound between Exits 17 and 18 caused collateral damage everywhere, as drivers sought alternate routes.
Stay off the roads for a while, if you can.
If you can’t: Leave early!
Saturday morning traffic on Post Road West, in front of Kings Highway Elementary School. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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The soft opening — and much-anticipated run-up to Tacombi’s opening — continued last night.
Realtor Judy Michaelis and Hightower Financial Group hosted a special party. All ticket sales supported Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
An enormous crowd enjoyed margaritas, special watermelon drinks, and the New York-based taqueria’s signature dishes.
The official opening is Monday (August 7). Click here for more Tacombi info.
Enjoying Tacombi last night (from left): Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Mike Burns; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; hosts Hightower Financial Group and Judy Michaelis; Tacombi manager; Police Chief Foti Koskinas; WVEMS vice president Larry Kleinman. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Also last night: The Soul Drivers rocked the Levitt Pavilion, with their Memphis Soul sound. Tonight (Saturday) it’s Theo Kandel; tomorrow, Quadrature. Click here for (free) tickets, and more information.
Soul Drivers (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Not far away last night, Massive Diva entertained diners at Walrus Alley. They’re there — right next to Don Memo — every Friday night. Tonight (7:30 to 11) it’s the always-popular Zambonis.
Massive Diva (Photo/MaryLou Roels)
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Also last night: approximately 20 clammers in Sherwood Mill Pond.
Each white light is the LED headlamp of a Sherwood Mill Pond clammer. (Photo/Matt Murray)
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One more event last night:
Westport firefighters responded to a house fire on Warnock Drive, off Easton Road.
Most damage was limited to the exterior and front attic space. There were no injuries. Westport Emergency Medical Service and Westport Police assisted.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Warnock Drive fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
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The Y’s Women meet every Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Compo. They enjoy late-day sun, interesting conversations and good laughs.
They extend an invitation to all: “Bring your own food, drinks and chair, and come say hello!”
Y’s Women at Compo Beach.
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Is there anything more natural in Westport than water, sun and clouds?
Jason Pike captured this scene perfectly, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Jason Pike)
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And finally … on this day in 1957, Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” debuted on ABC. Televised entertainment was never the same.
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