By 1999, the Grove Street Bridge was in dire need of repairs. The 1938 steel plate arch culvert had corroded over time and, as a result, the soil beneath was eroding, creating major sinkholes. The original brick headwalls, also still in place, were in disrepair and large portions of the bridge were falling into the stream and road.[1] The bridge was at risk of structural failure, posing a potential danger to vehicles and the Catlin Brook below. Realizing this the Burlington Public Works Department hired Engineering Ventures, a local engineering firm, to propose solutions. Engineering Ventures developed several design concepts from full excavation and replacement to relining the existing structure. The decision was made to follow the latter plan and reline the 1938 culvert with a slightly smaller culvert because the option was cost effective and minimized impact. Construction took place between October and November 1999. Engineering Ventures reused the existing concrete slab, which reduced stream disturbance; installed a new aluminum plate arch culvert, proving a sturdier structure than steel; filled the annular space between the two culverts with solid, non-shrink grout to add durability and prevent future erosion; and extended the culvert at both ends with supporting frost walls, maintaining the stream bed. They built new small concrete headwalls, seen above, over the existing brick, which eliminated the need to excavate in or near the road.[2] The project was executed quickly and did not interrupt traffic or utility service. Although budget and time constraints prevented a full restoration of the Grove Street Bridge, the original structure was never removed and its components still remain in situ. Today, an adventurous visitor to the bridge can spot the original brick by peering behind the rocks and other materials installed around the new culvert.

[1] Engineering Ventures, Engineering Excellence Awards Submission, American Consulting Engineers of Vermont, Category B: Transportation (Burlington, VT: Engineering Ventures, 2000)

[2] Engineering Ventures, Engineering Excellence Awards Submission, American Consulting Engineers of Vermont, Category B: Transportation (Burlington, VT: Engineering Ventures, 2000)