Editor’s note: Lindsay McConchie is a member of the Maynard Select Board. This article discusses a matter that will be discussed at the board’s Aug. 4 meeting.

The Main Street Bridge, near the intersection of Walnut Street and Main Street, will be replaced. Similar to the Florida Road Bridge replacement a few years ago, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will manage the project and cover the cost of the bridge replacement. Once MassDOT’s work is complete, the town will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and any associated costs.

The town has the opportunity to choose between concrete railing or steel railing for the bridge. Photos of each option are above. Do you have a strong opinion about which option the town should choose? The Select Board would like to know.

According to the town engineer and DPW director, factors under consideration include::

• Concrete is more costly to repair, should the town have to repair the bridge. Once MassDOT’s work is done, Maynard will be responsible for any costs that come up, such as repairs following an accident.
• Steel may be somewhat more durable and more easily replaced if needed.
• Steel has a higher-speed impact rating, meaning it can withstand a higher-speed impact of up to 62 mph.
• Current town staff and volunteers do not recall any accidents that have damaged the existing bridge railing.
• The speed limit approaching the bridge is 30 mph entering town and 25 mph leaving town.
• Concrete is more in keeping with the aesthetics of the town’s other bridges and downtown architecture.
• The town engineer and the DPW director recommend the steel railing for safety and future cost considerations.

The topic is scheduled for discussion at the Select Board’s meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4, item 10c. Residents are welcome to attend and share comments. The full agenda is available here.