LYNN — The plan to start construction on a new bridge, built alongside the General Edwards Bridge, in Lynn and Revere, could happen within the next two years, with the goal of it beginning in the fall of 2028, as was announced at an in-depth meeting that was hosted by MassDOT virtually this week. The construction process is anticipated to take between four and a half and five years.
There, Tim Harrington, the deputy project manager of H&H, which is the design firm that is working on the project, gave a presentation that outlined the issues with the existing General Edwards Bridge, which was built in 1935 to replace the former bridge that crossed over the Saugus River between Lynn and Revere. In the design process, they coordinated with various groups and stakeholders, including the City of Lynn and Revere, the Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers, and also residents, businesses that are within proximity, as well as pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency services, to determine both the issues and potential solutions through a rebuild.
“The existing bridge itself currently has elements classified in poor condition when considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete,” stated Harrington, who also stated that the “various components that make up the existing bridge range from fair to poor to inoperable conditions.”
Replacing the current bridge, he said, would cause “long-term lane reductions” that would impact traffic significantly. Instead, the goal of this project is to “build a new bridge to current design standards,” while also providing improvements such as maintaining directions of traffic, improving the sidewalk and pedestrian access, as the current bridge does not have a usable sidewalk. Another important note he mentioned is environmental, as they are also looking to protect “sensitive areas in this region,” including the Rumney Marsh Reservation, which is to the west of this bridge.
Lastly, in terms of the visual design, the new bridge will incorporate the same historic architectural features of the General Edwards Bridge. They also intend to keep the name of the bridge the same.
In terms of what happens next, they are expecting “there to be the need for short-term roadway lane closures or detours,” Harrington added once construction begins. Overall, the feedback during the public comment portion of the meeting was fairly positive. “I think a unique landmark is something that I think would serve these communities well as something that we can be proud of to come out of this project, and for a long period of time,” said one Lynn resident.
