Culvert collapse chokes access in South Salem

A culvert under Oscaleta Road in South Salem collapsed Sunday morning. TOWN OF LEWISBORO PHOTOS

STAFF REPORTS

A culvert under Oscaleta Road in South Salem collapsed Sunday morning, limiting access to several neighborhoods.

The road already was reduced to one lane after one side showed significant deterioration. It had been blocked off with orange cones and a stop sign.

Now Oscaleta Road is now closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic between Twin Lakes Road and South Shore Drive, according to police.

The span allows a channel of water between Lakes Waccabuc and Oscaleta to pass under the road. There are concerns about the flow of water interrupted, particularly with heavy rains expected Monday and into Tuesday.

With Oscaleta Road completely closed, Hawley Road through North Salem is the the only access to the neighborhoods that include Twin Lakes Road, North Lake Circle, Orchard Drive, Cove Road, Lakeview Road, Old Pond Road, Shady Glen Court and Waterview Court.

“This morning I received a call from both our Highway Superintendent and LPD Sergeant about the collapse of the Oscaleta Road Culvert,” Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said on social media. “I met them both on site together with folks from SSFD. Highway Dept,. closed the road and secured the area around the collapse.”

“For your safety, please do not climb into or attempt to cross the collapsed area,” Gonçalves said.”

He noted that the crossing was in the process of being replaced, in the preliminary design phase, with a $1.4 million state grant in hand and a design firm, Tectonic, under contract.

“They are the ones spearheading all the associated work that is required per DOT, there has been environmental studies, geotechnical and survey work,”Gonçalves said.

He said a community information session already was set for 7 p.m. March 26 at the Lewisboro Court in the former Lewisboro Elementary School. 

Temporary fix?

“We will look to see if we can expedite the above schedule and for that we will have to discuss with DOT & Tectonic to see what is possible under the guidelines of the grant,” Gonçalves said. “Both have already been advised of the collapse.”

“In parallel,” Gonçalves said, “we are working with our County and State partners to see what other options may be available to us for any potential assistance for a temporary/emergency repair. For example can we bring in a temporary structure which will span the width of the culvert and be safe enough for one lane of travel, etc. This will be in coordination with our Highway Superintendent. We will keep you updated as much as possible.”

This report will be updated with new developments.