NORTHAMPTON – Construction on a new bridge and extended boardwalk will close the North Farms Road entrance to the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area for two weeks.
Broad Brook Coalition is taking on the project to dismantle the old bridge over the brook near the entrance starting Friday, Bob Zimmermann, president of the coalition, said in an email. Construction will proceed through July 30.
The project will replace the bridge with a new structure, raise and level the boardwalk adjacent to it and then extend the boardwalk 100 feet further into the lake, allowing better boat launching and viewing.
Zimmermann said he believes the community will appreciate the renovations, as the foundations of the current bridge are weak and dilapidated and the boardwalk is sinking into the mud near the lake.
The conservation area is very popular — used by thousands of people throughout the course of the year – Zimmerman said.
“We want things to be in good shape, safe, pleasant for people to carry out whatever sort of recreational activity they’re engaged in,” Zimmermann said.
On Monday, July 18, the Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps will begin construction of the new bridge before extending the boardwalk, Zimmermann said. Conservation Works, a company based in North Hatfield, will take care of construction supervision.