Dear Editor,
My goodness – this reminds me of 35 years ago when I advocated for the preservation of Sherman’s Bridge. Some of what I said in my letter of May 11, 1990 was that this is an OPPORTUNITY for Wayland and Sudbury to work together to preserve the overall setting and bridge that are historically significant for both towns. Our present bridge retains significance of location crossing the Sudbury River, setting in a beautiful historic and cultural landscape, and design of wood that has been replaced yet endured in form for over 250 years. What a pity for us to now make it into something out of the 21st century doing away with that sense of history and the rural setting.
We know that wider, straighter, smoother roads lead to faster, more dangerous travel. It’s been proven time and time again – so why would we adopt a design here that is just that? If we designed all roads to State standards proposed for this bridge and road, we’d do away with historic landscapes, do away with opportunities to view the settings, and do away with Scenic roads that were adopted according to MGL c. 40, § 15C, the Scenic Roads Act. Clearly the Commonwealth found it appropriate to preserve some of the character of our Towns – Sudbury and Wayland agreed and designated Lincoln/Sherman’s Bridge Road as a Scenic Road for its rural character – its narrow width – its vistas (river, woods, fields). We have the ability and power to preserve those characteristics and to honor the region’s history.
The wood bridge deck and wood side rails are just fine for a reduced posted speed thus we must find a way to demand that limited speed – perhaps rumble strips on each end of the bridge. They certainly are a wake-up call for vehicles traveling too fast. The Federal Highway Transportation Administration specifically states (on its website) that rumble strips are an effective countermeasure for reducing roadway crashes.
Please choose to preserve our community’s semi-rural character – its scenic roads and its bit of history through structures (the bridge). Let’s encourage drivers and passengers (even those traveling the road every day), bicyclers, and walkers to enjoy the beauty and significance of Sherman’s Bridge over the Sudbury River.
Gretchen Schuler
Old Connecticut Path
