ABP, an eight-year, $3 billion investment, is the officials’ plan for a speedy renovation of its long neglected bridges. The program is comprised of nearly 385 bridge renovation projects taking place in various corners of Massachusetts. Since its start, the program has successfully completed 13 bridge renovation projects with another 62 planned for this upcoming construction season.
The reconstruction of the Gill-Montague Bridge Turner Falls and Riverside to Franklin County is one of the current projects taken on by the ABP. A $40 million investment, the project will fix the structurally deficient steel truss connecting Gill and Montague. The project also increases the size of travel lanes and enhances bicycle access.
The project will also work to rebuild the Longfellow Bridge. The bridge, an integral part of the Charles River skyline, will be adjusted to provide sidewalk accessibility for the first time since the 1950s. The biggest project in ABP, the project is a $260 million investment, which will include work on other bridges along the Charles River Basin, including the Boston University Bridge.
"The Longfellow Bridge is an urban jewel, and truly a landmark for the Charles River skyline," said Congressman Capuano. "It is such an important transportation link for automobiles, pedestrians, and the MBTA and reconstruction is overdue.” Capuano obtained federal funding for the urban jewel.
The construction period, however, has not been easy for drivers who currently travel through the affected areas. With high congestion, especially during rush hour, police officers are required to direct traffic for safety. These areas will undergo heavy traffic until construction is over.
The Neponset River Bridge, an important connection between the South Shore of Massachusetts and Boston will also be upgraded and improved. The bridge will undergo a full deck replacement, add bicycle and pedestrian access, and provide a third northbound traffic lane across the majority of the bridge. These measures are planned to improve city-bound traffic while enhancing the bridge’s safety.
"The Neponset River Bridge is a vital artery to Boston, not only for Quincy, but for the entire South Shore. We are delighted to see the progress being made on the project," said Mayor Thomas P. Koch.
The program, which is a part of Massachusetts Works Program, has reportedly provided some 10,000-construction jobs throughout the state. It has also introduced a 9 percent drop in the number of structurally deficient bridges.
These improvements come at a high cost. The commonwealth’s investment in its roads and bridges has increased from $515 million in fiscal year 2007 to a projected $1.085 billion in fiscal year 2010.
