A bridge that connects Chicopee and Holyoke that's been closed for nearly four years is scheduled to reopen in June, delighting businesses and political leaders in both cities.
The Willimansett Bridge project was originally scheduled to be completed in May 2014 at a cost of $18 million but midway through the contractor went bankrupt. A year ago the state Department of Transportation finalized a contract with a different construction company and the price of the project shot up by $3 million.
The reopening is expected in mid-June.
Gennaro Santaniello, co-owner of Capri Pizza in Holyoke, tells The Republican business plummeted about to 30 percent when his Chicopee customers couldn't cross the bridge. He is looking forward to welcoming them back.
Democratic state Rep. State Rep. Aaron Vega of Holyoke says he's excited too.
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