GREAT BARRINGTON — After pushing back against the state's initial design for a new State Road bridge, residents now have two options to choose from.

In a nod to public opinion, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has presented two distinct architectural concepts. Safety improvements and the structural design are finalized, but residents still can weigh in on the bridge's appearance. Responses are due Sunday.

Option 1 has stone-inspired walls, decorative railings and pedestrian lighting that fits with downtown, while Option 2 preserves the current look of the bridge while meeting modern engineering and safety standards.

Two options were presented: one, at top, with stone-inspired walls, decorative railings and pedestrian lighting that fits with downtown, and a second, at bottom, that preserves the current look of the State Road bridge while meeting modern engineering and safety standards. Town officials voted for the second option because the stone walls in the first would block the view of the Housatonic River below.

"They've been extremely gracious because MassDOT doesn't do this very often, if at all," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. "I've never in my 25 years, I have never seen them do this, where they give us an option to decide what aesthetics the bridge is actually going to have."

Due to significant loss of steel in critical components, it's still posted for load, meaning the amount of weight it can withstand is limited. It's still safe, but at the end of its useful lifespan and needs replacement, according to MassDOT.

The state revealed its initial plans for the $19 million replacement in the November hearing, but encountered pushback from residents who felt the design should more closely reflect the character of the downtown — something Hartsgrove also emphasized with the state.

"The State Road Bridge is much more than a piece of infrastructure," Hartsgrove said. "For many people, it's their first impression of Great Barrington. As the gateway into our historic downtown, we want to ensure the replacement bridge reflects the character, history, and sense of place that make the community special."

As a result, the state returned with two options for the design that both build on the initial proposal.

The Select Board voted 4-1 in favor of Option 2, though both options are well liked. The truss design was favored because the stone-inspired one could partially block views of the Housatonic River.

"Either way we go, we'll be in much better shape than it was originally headed," Select Board member Eric Gabriel said.

The town will go forward with whichever preference voters choose.

State Road bridge is one of four bridges in town the state is replacing.

MassDOT held a 25 percent design public hearing for the Cottage Street bridge replacement in May, unveiling its $18 million plan with construction expected in fall 2028.

First built in 1934 and then replaced in 1961, the bridge has been closed since 2019 and could open by the winter of 2029, according to an estimated timeline.

The State Road bridge over the Housatonic River in Great Barrington is at the end of its useful lifespan and needs replacement. It is still safe, but has a posted weight restriction.

Originally built in 1934 and replaced in 1961, the bridge has been closed since 2019. Plans call for a single-span steel girder bridge that is slightly longer than the existing structure, with sidewalks on both sides and wider shoulders.

Construction on the nearly $10 million Division Street bridge replacement is scheduled to begin this summer, according to the state's project database. The replacement will carry two travel lanes and include 5-foot-wide bicycle shoulders. A temporary bridge at the site was briefly closed in April after a sinkhole formed nearby, and town officials continue monitoring the area.

Meanwhile, the town is designing a temporary bridge at Brookside Road over the Housatonic River while awaiting the state's estimated $50 million permanent replacement, which is not expected to begin construction until 2030.