Historical Commission opens Sherman Bridge review, defers formal comment to November

SUDBURY -- October 21, 2025, Sudbury Historical Commission opens Sherman Bridge review and stakes out a wood-decking position. Chair Christopher Hagger told DPW Director Tina Rivard the bridge "has always been made out of wood" and questioned a proposal to swap in laminate decking with an asphalt surface, citing renderings that "look like a runway." Rivard said revised plans are due by Nov. 30 against a MassDOT-driven June 30, 2026 completion target. Wayland Historical Commission Chair Kay Gardner-Wescott read a 1992 agreement to "forever maintain the aesthetic character" of the 16-foot crossing, and preservationist Gretchen Schuler urged rumble strips over widening. The commission also voted unanimously to spend up to $500 on roughly 20 window candles for the Dec. 6–7 Hosmer House holiday open house, and approved town counsel's draft scope for an expanded MBTA license covering the railroad section house and South Sudbury train station.