Cradock Bridge Construction Update

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has posted an update on the Cradock Bridge Rehabilitation. The project is about halfway complete and halfway through its budget, according to MassDOT.

"The project is presently 49.9% complete with the Phase 3 traffic patterns in place, including temporary concrete barrier delineating the work zone. Phase 3B will include demolition of the western portion of the bridge and dam structure, cofferdam installation, pier - abutment substructure reconstruction, setting of new steel beams, and new concrete decks.

Cofferdam removal at the north and south pier is complete. Off-site Stage 2 cofferdam fabrication is ongoing and installation will begin in the coming weeks. NGRID Electric will be on site next week prepping manholes in advance of conduit installation the following week."

MassDOT says it has spent $6.22 million of its $12.8 million budget. You can see the full project information here.

Cradock Bridge has been a major way to get in and out of Medford Square, having carried traffic from over the Mystic River on Main Street near the on- and off-ramps to Route 16.

This isn't the first time major work has been done. The bridge was built 1637, rebuilt in 1880, and rebuilt once more in 1909, according to a Medford Historical Society sign on the bridge.

The original wooden drawbridge was the first toll bridge in New England.

Photos courtesy of MassDOT