Chester struggles during bridge repairs

The Route 103 bridge repairs are under way with much of the usual traffic through Chester being diverted through Springfield. Fred Degner, president of Cummings Hardware, said business is quiet as a result of the bridge closure. He compared Chester to “a ghost town."

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110525/NEWS02/705259889

Published May 25, 2011 in the Rutland Herald

Chester struggles during bridge repairs
Town businesses see fewer customers after detours

By Christian Avard

CHESTER — The Route 103 bridge repairs are under way and local businesses say they are feeling the pinch in their bottom lines.

On May 16, Cold River Bridges LLC began repairs to Bridge No. 9, the bridge nearest Benny Sunoco. Chester traffic has been detoured to River and Grafton streets and Interstate 91 travelers seeking to access Chester beyond the construction are rerouted from Exit 6 in Rockingham to Exit 7 in Springfield, with signs approaching Exit 6 and information about the Route 103 detours. The detour is scheduled to be removed July 17.

Fred Degner, president of Cummings Hardware on Depot Street, said business is quiet as a result of the bridge closure. He compared Chester to “a ghost town.” Cummings Hardware relies on transient business during the summer months, and with traffic volume down, he said “there is no question” that the closure has affected his business but acknowledged there is no way around the problem.

“I don’t believe there is any solution. I’d like to believe so, but I don’t see it,” Degner said.

Bill Smith owns the Austin Antiques shop off of Route 103 on Maple Street. According to Smith, store traffic is down 80 percent and he is already worried about summer business. He has heard other Route 103 businesses are struggling and blames the state and the town for their handling of the traffic situation.

“We’re not happy campers in Chester,” Smith said. “(They) had two years to take care of this and when the bridge closed last Monday, there was complete chaos.”

Smith claims there are insufficient detour signs because neither the state nor the town wanted to assume responsibility.

“We need detour signs, the ones used all across America to lead people around. There’s nothing for the town. No one wants to sign off on liability, but the town is insured,” Smith said.

According to Town Manager David Pisha, the state believes it has signed the project properly. He urged residents to understand the state cannot detour traffic off state routes over local roads. Pisha said the state discussed the plan “for a year and a half” and residents had plenty of opportunities to weigh in. He understands residents’ concerns and said the town will address them in an effective manner.

“The town has been observing the actual results of the closure and is preparing to add some additional signage as appropriate,” he said.

Marji Graf, executive director for the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said businesses are dealing with the bridge closure “in their own way.” Some are helping out.

Lew Watters of Chester developed walking maps that can be downloaded at www.ourchester.org. The Chamber has print maps at its Pond Street office in Ludlow and downloadable maps at www.yourplaceinvermont.com, and The Vermont Country Store has established and staffed an information center at its Rockingham store.

The store is also hosting two Route 103 businesses. The Chester Farmers’ Market sought a new location as a result of the bridge closure and the Vermont Country Store offered them parking lot space during the summer months. The Heritage Deli will operate at the Vermont Country Store from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and offer customers a place to eat.

“The road has impacted our business,” Heritage Deli co-owner Claire Hoser said. “(The Vermont Country Store) approached us and we were very appreciative.”