QUECHEE — Repairs to the Quechee Covered Bridge, which has been closed since flooding in early July, are set to begin now that the Town of Hartford has awarded a construction contract.

The town has granted Waterford, Vt.-based Fenoff Excavating $89,000 to complete “emergency repairs” after going to bid on July 31, according to a memorandum in advance of the Aug. 8 Selectboard meeting. Federal funds obtained through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Repair Program are expected to cover the entire cost of the project.

Since July 10, the bridge has been closed due to severe erosion on the northern bank of the Ottauquechee River. The repairs are meant to allow the bridge to be reopened to vehicular traffic, and are likely to be completed within five to seven days once construction begins, the memo reads.

Hartford is anticipating seeking additional financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration or FEMA for structural improvements to minimize future erosion during storm events.