The state's own paperwork shows the Route 53 bridge over the Saugatuck Reservoir is not closing this October. The state's project page for the bridge still says construction is "anticipated to begin October 2026." A newer document says otherwise. CTDOT's schedule of projects to be advertised for bids, updated September 14, 2026, lists the Redding bridge for advertising on May 12, 2027. A contract that hasn't been put out to bid can't have a crew on site. Glen Road, Newtown Turnpike and the hiking-trail parking at each end stay as they are this fall.
That leaves an open fall with a full calendar. Most of it is set by the Grange, the Land Trust, New Pond Farm and the Historical Society, and every event below carries a firm date.
Two State Documents, Two Different Start Dates
The October 2026 date has been around since a public meeting at the Redding Community Center in June 2024. Here is how the state's documents line up today.
| Document | What it says about timing |
|---|---|
| CTDOT project page, Project 0116-0135 | Construction "anticipated to begin October 2026," depending on funding, right-of-way and permits |
| 2024 public meeting report | Overhead utility relocation in fall 2026; bridge construction and the detour closure in spring through fall 2027 |
| CTDOT 2026–2030 Capital Plan | Construction phase listed for 2027 |
| CTDOT advertising schedule, updated 9/14/26 | Bids advertised May 12, 2027 |
Read closely, even the 2024 plan never put the road closure in this fall. The meeting report described two to three months of overhead utility relocation before the winter shutdown, followed by a single construction season. It said the detour closure would start in spring 2027. The September schedule has the contract going out for bids on May 12, 2027, which is already inside that planned spring construction season. Bids, an award and a contractor all still have to follow. No firm start date has been published for the closure.
What the Closure Will Cover When It Comes
Once work begins, the closure is substantial. Route 53 closes at the Tudor Road intersection. Newtown Turnpike and Glen Road each close at their hiking-trail parking lots. The meeting report says the closed stretch will be shut to cars and pedestrians alike. The 2024 report puts the detour at 13.5 miles and about 22 minutes. The project page rounds it to roughly 14 miles on state routes. In the 2024 presentation, northbound traffic was routed to Route 57 north and then Route 107 north.
For hikers, the state has made a commitment. CTDOT says trail access and fishing access will be kept open for the whole project. Contractor staging is limited to existing roads and paved surfaces inside the closure, and the contractor can use the closed area only for access, so the work stays clear of the hiking trails. The trailheads stay open either way. What changes is the drive to reach them. This fall, the direct route across the reservoir is still open.
The project will also replace the old span with a longer, wider one. The span grows from 44 to 63 feet and the curb-to-curb width from 30.2 to 32 feet. The estimated cost is $7.2 million, paid with federal and state money and no town funds.
The Other Bridge on Redding's List
Brookside Road is the second bridge project on the Town of Redding's list, and it is much earlier in the process. The town's Highway Department page, updated September 3, 2026, schedules hydraulic and preliminary design for the Brookside Road Bridge from September through November 2026. A community meeting is tentatively set for November or December, and construction is listed for 2028. If you drive Brookside, the meeting late this year is the town's next scheduled chance for public input. Nothing on that road changes this fall.
With both bridges still open, the season comes down to the dates below.
Redding's Fall, Date by Date
Every date below comes from the host organization's own calendar.
- Through Sunday, October 11. The Redding Roadhouse is serving its Oktoberfest menu of seasonal beers and Bavarian food through October 11.
- Saturday, October 10, 8 to 10 a.m. New Pond Farm's new Walking Group is holding a free Trail Maintenance Hike. Registration is required.
- Thursday, October 15, 7 to 9 p.m. Redding Grange hosts its "World Famous" Open Mic Night.
- Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Redding Land Trust's Community Hiking Club walks Highstead, 127 Lonetown Road, with Highstead executive director Geordie Elkins.
- Sunday, October 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grange holds its fifth annual Agricultural Fair.
- Wednesday, October 28, 1 to 2 p.m. The Land Trust and Mark Twain Library hold a Nature Book Club session on Silent Spring at New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road.
- Sunday, November 8, 1 to 4 p.m. The Redding Historical Society opens the Umpawaug Schoolhouse.
- Saturday, November 14, 7 to 8 p.m. New Pond Farm hosts November Astronomy. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers.
- Friday, November 27. The Land Trust's Annual Post-Thanksgiving Hike. The location and time will be announced later.
Weather has already affected one fall event. New Pond Farm canceled the September 26 Hayfield Hustle, including the children's run, 5K, 5-mile race and post-race activities, at Redding Police direction because of a severe-weather advisory. It's a good reason to check New Pond Farm's page the morning of any outdoor event on this list.
The Grange Is Building Something
Two Grange events this season point in the same direction. The October 25 fair is the Redding Grange's fifth annual. The Hyper-local Farmers' Market on September 12 was billed as the third year of an effort to build a farmers' market in the center of town. The Grange asked anyone who wants one, or who wants to strengthen the town's food production, to come out and support it. The Grange is also selling sponsorships for the fair. A fair now in its fifth year and a market still being built make the October 25 fair the Grange's clearest test of local turnout this fall.
A Georgetown Stop
On the Georgetown side of town, The Given Inn is at 4 Old Mill Road. It is a floral cafe and vinyl room serving specialty coffee and a seasonal menu topped with edible flowers where possible, plus flowers, artisan gifts and books. Its house Given Inn Blend uses beans from Brazil and Haiti, roasted in Connecticut. The cafe says it hosts a year-round community calendar of events and workshops. It is also a Vinted Go shop, so packages can be shipped or picked up there. Our summer look at the Georgetown evening circuit and our list of hidden gems in Redding cover more places nearby.
The state's next date to watch is May 12, 2027, when the Route 53 bridge contract is scheduled to be advertised. The town's is the Brookside Road community meeting, tentatively set for November or December.
If you're thinking about how road projects like these, one in 2027 and one in 2028, could affect your home's value, Jennifer Twombly follows Redding's road and bridge schedules alongside its sales. Request your home valuation and she'll walk you through where your street fits on the timeline.
