Timber bridges build community connections from Central to Avon and Simsbury

Engineering students and faculty at Central Connecticut State University presented two custom-designed and constructed timber bridges to the towns of Avon and Simsbury during an informal ceremony held on June 18 at the university’s Applied Innovation Hub.

Representatives from both towns—including Simsbury Director of Public Works Tom Roy and Avon Public Works Operations Manager Paul Welsh—attended the event to receive the bridges and thank the students and faculty who collaborated on the project. Roy, who also serves as an adjunct Engineering professor at Central, estimated the value of the bridges at approximately $125,000.

Led by Engineering Professor Dr. Bin “Brenda” Zhou, the annual bridge project offers students the opportunity to manage a real-world municipal project from design through construction. The initiative launched in 2018 as the capstone project of five female engineering students and has become a popular component of the program that combines experiential learning with community service.

“Our programs, supported by dedicated staff and faculty, provide students with a unique opportunity for experiential learning and community engagement,” said Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Carmen Veloria. “These projects not only help to hone students’ technical skills, but they also foster a deep sense of responsibility to serve our communities.”

During the ceremony, faculty and students reflected on the significance of the bridge projects. Faculty praised their students’ technical excellence and professionalism, with Zhou noting, “I cannot tell you how proud I am of our students. I also want to thank all of you here for your support. I look forward to future collaborations and the beautiful work we can continue to do for our communities.”

Students shared their appreciation for the opportunity to take on a municipal project from concept to completion, citing it as a transformative experience in their engineering education.
Roy and Welsh described the collaboration as a “phenomenal” experience and a model of how community partnerships can yield meaningful, lasting impact.

Veloria added, “Your collaboration not only makes projects like this possible, it inspires the next generation of engineers to lead with purpose, creativity, and community in mind.”

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