MBTA advances bridge replacement work

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will progress work on the second phase of a bridge replacement project this fall.

 

The two-phase project will rehabilitate the Merrimack River Bridge, the North Approach Bridge and the Washington Street Bridge. The bridges comprise 12 spans over approximately 1,042 feet across the Merrimack River from Bradford to Haverhill. The bridges were originally constructed between the late 1800s and 1920s and are in need of repair due to advancing age.

Beginning the weekend of Sept. 9-11, construction work on three bridges over the Merrimack River and Washington Street in Haverhill will affect traffic patterns for motorists. Work is scheduled for alternate weekends from Sept. 9 through Nov. 20.

Contractors will work on all three MBTA bridges on the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line, jacking up the structures to replace bearings as part of a major project to strengthen, clean and paint the bridges in downtown Haverhill.

In 2014, the joint venture LM Heavy Civil Construction, LLC. and Cooperativa Muratori & Cementisti – CMC di Ravenna was awarded a contract to perform the work.

The superstructure work consists of repairing of deteriorated steel structural members, strengthening the existing structural members, replacing portions of the existing superstructure, replacing existing bearings, replacing the deteriorated rivets and painting of the superstructure. The substructure work consists of repairing/strengthening and repointing/grouting the mortar joints. Trackwork consists of removal and reinstallation of existing bridge ties and replacing the existing jointed rail with continuous welded rail.

The project began in 2014 and is expected to be completed by the spring of 2017.

 

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