Historical Commission seeks design changes to Sherman's Bridge reconstruction

SUDBURY -- December 9, 2025, Sudbury Historical Commission pushes back on Sherman's Bridge design details. Chair Christopher Hagger directed DPW Director Tina Rivard to seek MassDOT approval for a steel-backed timber transition on the south approach, a possible wood encasement of any remaining steel guardrail, a timber wearing surface over the glulam deck, and a return to three horizontal rail elements on the north side instead of four. Member William S Andreas, citing the commission's earlier Wayside Inn bridge work, told Rivard that "if you push them, they know how to do it." Combined Facility Director Sandra Duran reported 29 firms have pulled the RFQ for the $515,000 Hosmer House exterior and HVAC project, with a designer fee capped at $92,000 and responses due Jan. 6. The commission also voted 7-0 to spend up to $700 adding a South Sudbury train station inventory to consultant Andy Robley's Phase Five Plus scope, and set three winter Hosmer House open-house dates.