As some of you may know, last year the DOT proposed to replace the Mosquite Bridge (the small bridge on Waukewan Road that passes over Lake Waukewan near the Snake River marsh) with a wider, longer bridge in order to accommodate more traffic that would like to bypass Meredith. It would involve taking some property, and unknown environmental impact on the snake river outlet, as well as irreversible impact to the rural route that Waukewan Road offers to those who reside in the immediate area.

A group of concerned citizens formed a group, The Snake River/Mosquito Bridge Preservation Committee, to express their concerns over the DOT’s plan. Letters, emails and petition signatures from over 300 New Hampton and Center Harbor residents and taxpayers, as well as comments made by those in attendance at the DOT meeting on October 25, 2015 urged the DOT to repair Mosquito Bridge and retain the existing width, length, configuration and historic abutments of the bridge. Correspondence from city boards and our state representative last fall and over the winter directed the DOT to adhere to the wishes of the people. In response, the DOT sent written assurances to the towns and our state representative that they were listening and would present plans in keeping with the wishes of town residents.

While the committee believes it has made progress with the DOT, the draft plans the DOT will present on June 8, 2016 include a wider bridge of varying width increases. Any increase to the width of the bridge removes the existing narrow bridge’s natural speed deterrent, which protects pedestrians, fishermen and motorists and allows for increased large truck traffic and ruins the quaint rural character of the area and existing bridge.

Residents, taxpayers and other concerned parties are urged to attend the June 8th meeting with DOT representatives. The meeting is at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30PM) at the Center Harbor Fire Station, 36 Main St., Center Harbor.

For additional details, please contact the SRMB Bridge Preservation Committee at mosquitobridge{at}gmail.com.