Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Water Street Bridge Replacement Project to Begin
(Saugus, MA) June 20, 2018 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works are pleased to announce that construction will begin next week to replace the Water Street Bridge to build a new, safer, and more reliable bridge on Route 129 at the Saugus/Wakefield border.
The existing 100-year-old granite pillar bridge will be swapped for a new, 12-foot by 5-foot reinforced concrete boxed culvert. New guardrails will be installed, and the area will be freshly paved.
Last year, the Town was awarded a $500,000 grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Municipal Small Bridge Program to replace the existing 15-foot bridge, which is over 100 years old and in poor condition.
The Town Manager accepted the award during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, where he was joined by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, and other municipal award recipients.
The Municipal Small Bridge Program allows this bridge project to be funded entirely through the grant, saving the taxpayers of Saugus $500,000 in projected engineering design and construction costs.
“I would like to thank Lt. Governor Polito, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Pollack, Highway Administrator Tinlin, and the Department of Transportation for their support and investment in the Town of Saugus and its infrastructure,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “The Water Street Bridge is frequently used each day for emergency, essential, and commercial and industrial services. Important infrastructure repairs such as this are critical for the safety and convenience of the community.”
Construction will begin the week of June 25, 2018. The majority of the project work will take place Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Parking will be restricted in work areas during this construction project. One lane of traffic will be open at the project location for most of the duration of the project.
Some work will be completed over the weekend, during which time the roadway will be temporarily closed and traffic will be re-routed. This work is scheduled to be completed July 13-16, and July 20-23, weather depending.
The Town would like to thank residents in advance for their patience and cooperation during this improvement project.
For more information or to ask questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143.
About The Town of Saugus
The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.
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