And Like a Bridge Over Natick Railroads

NATICK, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation on Wednesday broke ground on a new bridge that carries Marion Street over railroad tracks in Natick.

The new bridge will feature a single 85-feet long superstructure with steel beams and a concrete deck on existing abutments, said the announcement. The superstructure will be 34.75 feet wide, feature asphalt surface and a 6-feet wide sidewalk.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction. Motorists can use North Avenue, Washington Street and East Central Street as detours.

“Transportation infrastructure serves a vital role for the 5 million travelers who use our system day in and day out, and when a bridge is closed that impact is felt in a very real way. It is an honor for MassDOT to work with local and elected officials and of course the residents of Natick and of MetroWest on this project, and we look forward to its completion,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin in a statement.

The original bridge was constructed in 1896 and rehabilitated five times between 1941 and 2003, said the release. The bridge was closed in September 2012 due to a structural deficiency in its deck.

The project is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2017. MAS Building & Bridge was awarded a $3.2 million contract for the project in July 2015. The current bridge will be demolished.