West Newbury Secures State Grant for River Road Culvert Study Amid Climate Concerns

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West Newbury has been chosen for an important ecological study by the Department of Fish & Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration. The study will focus on the River Road Culvert, located on a stream that flows into the Merrimack River. This culvert, along with another in Gloucester, is part of a wider effort to tackle environmental issues worsened by climate change.

Currently, the River Road Culvert faces flooding and erosion problems, which are expected to increase with more frequent storms and higher sea levels. The state will perform detailed water flow studies and look into ecological enhancements to improve infrastructure and natural resource durability.

The study will also prepare for the culverts' expected shift to tidal conditions caused by rising sea levels, which will affect local road infrastructure. The Division of Ecological Restoration will oversee and fund these studies, helping communities and stakeholders address technical issues and plan for future ecological restoration and climate adaptation.

Tom O’Shea, Commissioner of the Department of Fish & Game, noted that ecological restoration projects aim to enhance public safety, increase resilience against coastal erosion and sea-level rise, reduce flooding, and improve water quality and wildlife habitats.