Kodiak to Mobilize for Flat Hill Road Bridge Work Oct. 19

The Town of Lunenburg announced Oct. 15 that construction on the Flat Hill Road Bridge Replacement Project is entering its active phase, with Kodiak Corporation expected to mobilize to the site on or about Monday, Oct. 19.

The move coincides with the annual seasonal drawdown of Lake Shirley, which began this week and allows work within the waterway over Catacoonamug Brook to proceed. Kodiak expects to be onsite for roughly six to eight weeks this fall, with the pace of work, especially paving, dependent on weather.

The town awarded the construction contract to Kodiak and issued a notice to proceed during the week ending June 26, held a pre-construction meeting in late July, and approved the first round of contractor submittals in September. Officials say Kodiak is using much of a replacement culvert already fabricated for the project, with remaining fabrication overseen by the town's engineering consultant, VHB.

"We know residents have been waiting a long time to see construction resume at this bridge, and reaching this point of mobilization is an important milestone," Town Manager Jennifer Warren-Dyment said in the release. She said the town replaced its original contractor after that company failed to progress as expected.

DPW Director William Bernard said in the release, "There is substantial work ahead, and weather will determine how far construction can advance this fall, but the project is proceeding according to schedule."

Kodiak is expected to return in spring 2027 to finish the work, with the contract requiring full completion by June 30, 2027. The bridge, closed to vehicular traffic since March 7, 2025, will remain closed throughout construction.

The project is funded by a $600,000 MassDOT Small Bridge Program grant, capital funds appropriated by Lunenburg Town Meeting in fiscal 2022, and an additional $350,000 approved in the fiscal 2027 Capital Plan to cover current construction costs after the project was rebid.

Warren-Dyment said, "The extended closure has been a significant inconvenience, particularly for residents who use Flat Hill Road regularly, and we appreciate the community's patience."

Source: Town of Lunenburg announcement, October 15, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.