PERU — Officials are considering temporarily repairing a washed out section of Dickvale Road while they wait to see if the town qualifies for federal money for permanent repairs.
Road Commissioner Joe Roach and selectmen met Friday to discuss plans for the road, which had multiple washouts during Tropical Storm Irene. The damaged areas have all been repaired, except for the Cummings Brooks Bridge, approximately 4 miles out of town.
Work crews attempted to cover the existing culvert with fill, but the culvert collapsed under the weight.
Selectman Tim Holland said they discussed several options, including a box culvert, a steel culvert or building a bridge.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials were also on hand Friday to offer technical assistance to the town in assessing the damage.
“We are waiting for results from FEMA to see if we qualify for federal aid,” Holland said.
The town is looking toward a temporary fix until a decision is reached by FEMA.
Holland said he is hoping for a similar solution to what Rumford found for Swain Road.
Rumford selectmen acquired a 46-foot-long temporary bridge donated by Nicols Brothers Logging Inc. to allow through access on a portion of Swain Road that was completely washed out.
“We are looking at similar options and talking to contractors on temporary bridges,” Holland said. “There is some concern on cost and safety issues that we are trying to address.”
Holland said there is nothing definitive on when Dickvale Road will be opened to traffic.
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