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SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - The iconic Bridge of Flowers has announced plans to close in late October and remain closed for the 2024 season.
The bridge has long been in need of significant repairs and thanks to a $2.28 million dollar state infrastructure grant, the bridge will get new life during it's closure.
"The project will secure public water infrastructure, preserve the structural life of the span, and improve the experience of walking the garden bridge." The organization wrote in a release. The bridge is currently owned by the Shelburne Falls Fire District, who made the decision to green light the project following an engineering study that found several issues.
“The Shelburne Falls Fire District appreciates the investment the Commonwealth is making to extend the life of the Bridge of Flowers and to strengthen the village public water system,” said SFFD Commission Chair Ron Dobosz. “This project is essential to the sustainability of our Village’s public water infrastructure.”
The engineering study highlighted damage caused by severe flooding during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, not to mention the last major infrastructure improvements were made nearly four decades ago. It's important to note, the bridge is not in imminent danger and remains safe to visit through out the remainder of the season, which again is scheduled to close in October.
“While we regret having to close our beautiful garden bridge for a season, we realize the importance of the structural work to ensure the viability of the Bridge of Flowers for another 94 years,” said Bridge of Flowers Committee Chair Annette Szpila. “We also know what a lot of work by many the successful completion of this work will entail and are grateful to our gardeners and volunteers who are ready to do what needs to be done.”
The 115-year-old bridge draws thousands of visitors from around the world every year and serves as the only water main providing potable water to residents of Buckland. In 1929, the bridge was transformed into a public garden by the Shelburne Falls Area Women's Club, which still runs the Bridge of Flowers Committee.
Now the Committee will look at the massive undertaking of removing all plantings and soil from the bridge and find temporary homes. The organization said there are a few trees that are too large to be returned to the garden will likely be donated to the new pocket park at Bridge Street and Deerfield Ave. And it isn't just the plants, the organization will also need to move everything else including lamp posts, fencing, benches, memorials and other items along the pathway.
“We are in process of finding temporary homes for many of the plantings as we look to move everything on the bridge to safe and appropriate locations for the duration of the project,” Szpila said. “The good news is that this will be an opportunity to upgrade fencing, lighting, and the pathway — projects we have long been considering.... While it's a daunting task, we are confident that we will successfully relocate all that we need to move. In addition to the needed structural repairs, when we reopen the bridge, you'll see new railings, pathways, and lighting, and a few more wonderful surprises, so we're focused on the end result: a safer, more structurally sound, more beautiful bridge.”
“While we won't save every single posy, we have many specimens and hope to send them home to be planted and looked after by our volunteers — much like what happened when the bridge was repaired in 1983." said Head Gardener Carl DeLorenzo. " We're also reviewing sites where we can store a majority of our bridge perennials, shrubs, and trees. It's definitely a huge job to remove a garden across a river and then rebuild it, but it's a challenge we're up to. Despite the hard work, we think it will be fun and invigorating as well.”
After closing up for the season, the Bridge of Flowers Committee will hold it's first ever art show and sale on October 14th and 15th at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center. In the spring of 2024, the organization says they hope to offer tours of local "hidden gardens."
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