Getting across the Thames River in Chatham is going to get a little more difficult soon. 
With last year’s rework of the Keil Drive crossing still fresh in drivers’ memories, the Fifth St. Bridge in Chatham is set to be rebuilt.
Director of Engineering and Transportation Adam Sullo says it’s a big job.
“Everything above the abutments and the piers is being removed,” Sullo says. “We’re going to be making some pretty significant modifications to the abutments, the piers will be removed just below the water level and be rebuilt from there, basically an entirely new what we call superstructure, everything above the foundations.”
Improvements are also being made to the intersection of King and Fifth, along with new lighting.
The bridge, which will be closed as of Thursday, June 29th, is 87 years old and will be shut down until nearly Christmas.
As many as 9,000 motorists cross the span every day.
