State proposes G.E. Bridge repairs

LYNN – Commercial fishermen and cold-weather recreational boaters could find themselves frustrated if plans to repair the Gen. Edwards Bridge this winter force a lockdown of the span for months.The state Department of Transportation’s Highway Division will hold a public hearing on the proposed drawbridge repairs on Tuesday, July 27 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.According to chief engineer Frank Tramontozzi, the drawbridge will not be operational for several months while the repairs are under way. “Traffic lane closures and detours are not expected to be required,” he said, noting that the bridge will not be raised once the project begins.With the bridge down, boats moored or docked on the Pines and Saugus rivers would have no exit to Broad Sound or the Atlantic Ocean.The proposed project consists of repairing or replacing electrical and mechanical machinery, rehabilitating and making architectural upgrades to the bridge operator’s room and control tower, and repairs to granite abutments and structural steel.The drawbridge is part of the busy Route 1A corridor and spans the Saugus River, connecting Lynn to Revere.Plans will be on display one-half hour before the hearing, which begins at 6 p.m.