Marion Street Bridge Re-Opens

NATICK – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce that the bridge that carries Marion Street over the MBTA railroad tracks in Natick is scheduled to re-open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic today, several months ahead of schedule.

“We are proud of the hard work of our MassDOT crews and contractors who helped re-open this bridge several months quicker than expected and reduce the impact on the traveling public and local community,” said Acting District 3 Highway Director Barry Lorion. “As of Friday, people walking or driving throughout this area will have an easier time reaching the places they need to go as they will no longer need to utilize the detour route and will be able to enjoy the full benefits of the new bridge structure.”

The bridge has been replaced through a $3.2 million bridge replacement project and will remain open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic at all times except for short-term, off-peak closures this spring which will be necessary to complete the remaining finishing work.

“I am very happy that the Marion Street bridge is open,” said State Representative David P. Linsky. “Just in time for Holiday Shopping!”

The new bridge features a single superstructure with steel beams, concrete deck with asphalt surface on existing abutments, and a 6-foot wide sidewalk. The previous bridge was constructed in 1896 and rehabilitated five times between 1941 and 2003. The bridge was closed in September 2012 due to a structural deficiency in its deck.

The Baker-Polito Administration has invested over $2.8 billion since 2015 on highway construction projects and bridges, pavement, intersection and sidewalk improvements, and bike lanes, while authorizing over $700 million in Chapter 90 local transportation funding for cities and towns. An additional $30 million has been invested through Complete Streets and Municipal Small Bridge programming to support local transportation planning and community bridges not eligible for federal aid.

Statewide, those investments have paved approximately 2,000 lane miles, enough to cross Massachusetts and back at least 5 times; installed 160 miles of sidewalk, almost encircling the Quabbin Reservoir; and rehabilitated or replaced approximately 80 bridges. Projects include installing new safety equipment, optimizing traffic configuration, lane and intersection widening and promoting reduced congestion.

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For More Information: Abigail Silverman (617) 722-2575
MassDOT (857) 368-8500