Nahant Causeway work to go up for bid

NAHANT – The state is preparing to solicit bids for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Nahant Causeway rehabilitation project.Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan, who met with state officials last week regarding the project, said the state expects to put it out to bid this spring.”The process is moving ahead,” he said. “It’s possible the work could get started as soon as September. My understanding is the work will start on the harbor side. I expect the project would take at least one full year to complete.”For decades town officials and residents have been at odds with the state over the deteriorating condition of the Nahant Causeway, which is the only way in or out of town. State Rep. Steven Walsh (D-Lynn) and Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) have fought to secure funding for the project for years.”It’s taken a long time to bring this project forward,” McGee said. “It’s something we’ve been fighting for at least 12 years. I think it’s great this project is ready to go out to bid. It’ll make the Causeway and Nahant Beach Reservation something the town can be proud of. It will really enhance the whole area and make the Causeway safe. It’ll be a great entryway to the beautiful community of Nahant.”After an outcry from town officials and residents, the state modified its plans for an 11-foot lane and six-foot shoulder on the first 3,000 feet of the outbound side, then two 11-foot lanes and a four-foot shoulder on the last 3,000 feet. Cullinan said the changes made would keep the inbound and outside sides of the Causeway two lanes for the entire length of the roadway.Cullinan said the state worked closely with the town to ensure the new Causeway would be functional, safe and attractive. He said the roadway would be realigned, which would improve visibility. The drainage system would be repaired, which should eliminate flooding and the crumbling seawalls would be replaced.The project cleared a major hurdle last August when the state determined an extensive environmental review process would not be required for the rehabilitation project.Cullinan said the Secretary of Environmental Affairs determined that an Environmental Impact Report, a lengthy process that can delay or even derail projects, would not be required.The report, which was issued by the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, states the project includes changes that would actually improve the condition of the sand dunes on the beach.