Wopowog Road Bridge Emergency Replacement

What Was the Challenge?

In January 2024, severe storms caused the catastrophic failure of the Wopowog Road Bridge over Safstrom Brook in East Hampton. The original 1975 structure, built with twin corrugated metal pipes, was completely washed away, forcing an immediate road closure and cutting off access for residents and local wildlife. The Town of East Hampton required a rapid, environmentally conscious solution to restore this vital connection while navigating ecological and permitting challenges.

How Did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

Barton & Loguidice responded swiftly by designing a modern 12’x6′ box culvert system to replace the failed structure. The new design features concrete wingwalls, headwalls, and a riparian shelf to facilitate safe wildlife passage. Safety upgrades, including Metal Beam Rail R-B 350 (Type II) approach rails, ensure a safer roadway for the community.

What set this project apart was B&L’s aggressive project timeline. From emergency response to design, permitting, and construction, B&L delivered a fully completed solution by September 2024—a process that typically takes years. The design also prioritized environmental considerations, implementing strict controls and restoration plans to mitigate wetland disturbances and working around protected species such as the Wood Turtle, Eastern Pearlshell, and Tidewater Mucket.

Why Was This Project a Success?

The new Wopowog Road Bridge exemplifies B&L’s ability to deliver rapid, high-quality engineering solutions under pressure. By addressing environmental impacts, restoring safe wildlife passage, and upgrading infrastructure for improved safety and durability, the project successfully balanced efficiency, ecological stewardship, and community needs. The Town of East Hampton funded the project, which now stands as a testament to B&L’s expertise in emergency response, environmental sensitivity, and modern bridge design.