LYNN — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced last Friday that the Commercial Street Rail Bridge Replacement Project will begin major construction this week.
The bridge carries Commuter Rail service for the Newburyport/Rockport Line over Commercial Street in Lynn between the River Works and Lynn stations.
The MBTA said the construction will begin on Thursday night and will continue through the 2022 season.
“During this work, Commercial Street will generally be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, except for certain weekend closures, which will be notified in advance and will utilize a signed detour route,” the MBTA said. “The MBTA encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays. Those traveling through the area should expect delays and should reduce speed and use caution.”
The construction will involve replacing the entire bridge — as it is 109 years old and in disrepair. Additionally, there will be two new concrete abutments built to keep the bridge stable as part of the new design.
According to a statistics report presented at a virtual meeting on Sept. 9, 2020, up to 68 commuter trains go over the bridge on weekdays and up to 26 cross it on weekends. Freight trains also cross over the bridge on weekends, per the report.
Because of the frequent use of the bridge, the structure must be able to accommodate the ongoing traffic of trains.
“This existing bridge is in poor condition,” a representative from the MBTA said. “On a scale from 1 to 10, the steel superstructure of the bridge is rated four and as part of the MBTA’s ongoing service to provide safe rides and make sure bridges are maintaining good repair, this bridge was selected to be replaced.”
The bridge will accommodate the two tracks for inbound and outbound trains, but its design is built to accommodate a future third track, the representative said.
The new bridge will have a lifespan of approximately 75 years, reducing maintenance costs and service impacts, the MBTA said.
Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan said replacing the bridge was long overdue and was thankful that the MBTA had funding for the project. The bridge is located in Hogan’s ward and he said he has been advocating for this project for some time.
“This replacement is part of a series of MBTA projects,” Hogan said. “We were supposed to have this done a few years ago and now the funding is here.”
Hogan said the bridge is a vital part of Ward 6, as commuters from that area cross over it when they travel to and from Boston. He said the replacement bridge will also ensure the safety of drivers crossing under the bridge from potential falling debris.
“I am happy the bridge is being replaced,” Hogan said. “Especially on the safety side, knowing the residents of Ward 6 and Lynn will be safe when they travel under the bridge and when they take the Commuter Rail.”
