North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project Advances

North Station Draw One Bridge

MBTA

BOSTON - The signing of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) advances the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project.

The project seeks to modernize a rail connection between Cambridge and Boston that serves the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak’s Downeaster Service, according to Governor Healey’s office. It is supported by a $472.3 million federal grant. The project is expected to create more than 15,600 direct and indirect jobs.

Over the course of the project, crews will work to expand the number of tracks over the river from four to six, increasing capacity and reducing congestion. Along with replacing and modernizing the current drawbridge, the control tower will be replaced, the bridge platform will be extended, and there will be upgrades to the track, signal, communications, and infrastructure. The construction timeline was shortened by the MBTA to an estimated 6.5 years.

At an event, state leaders gathered to mark the signing as it represents a milestone in the project by ensuring “the project is completed safely, on time, and on budget.” It also promotes collaboration between labor and contractors by establishing consistent wages, working conditions for said contractors and subcontractors, and establishing safety standards. As of reporting, the project is in the procurement phase with a selection of a contractor pending. The PLA also does not prohibit non-union contractors from bidding, according to the release.

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects like the North Station Draw 1 Bridge replacement. We are proud of the jobs that work like this will create and support,” said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This Project Labor Agreement is invaluable to the successful delivery of Draw 1. It provides labor stability, harmony, and predictability for this highly complex, multi-year construction effort, which will replace two movable bridges dating back to 1931 while ensuring the MBTA can maintain active rail operations and service for the public. I am honored to be part of this Administration, standing side by side with our labor partners who bring specialized skills and expertise to this complex work.”

“Local 7 is proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in the building trades as we work to build a better Boston,” said Vinny Coyle, Business Manager, Iron Workers Local 7. “PLAs have been proven time and again to not only support union jobs, but also to ensure that projects are completed safely, on-time and on- or under-budget. Governor Healey recognizes this fact, which is why she has supported PLAs on public construction projects. We are eager to get to work on these major infrastructure projects and do our part to make sure our public transit systems are the safest and highest quality in the industry.”

“PLA’s guarantee safe working conditions, fair wages, good health insurance, and a secure retirement for workers,” said Frank Callahan, President, MA Building Trades Council. “Every man and woman who labors in the construction industry deserves that. Time and time again PLA’s have been shown to be the most effective way to provide career opportunities in construction to women, people of color, and veterans. Governor Healey understands that fact – which is why she has been such a strong supporter of PLA’s on public construction projects. We are proud to stand here with her today.”