Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Water Street Bridge Replacement Project Nears Completion
(Saugus, MA) August 15, 2018 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works are pleased to announce that the Water Street Bridge has been replaced with a new, safer, and more reliable bridge on Route 129 at the Saugus/Wakefield border, made possible through a State grant.
The 100-year-old granite pillar bridge was swapped for a new, 12-foot by 5-foot reinforced concrete boxed culvert. New guardrails have also been installed, and the area is freshly paved.
Last year, the Town identified a need and applied for a $500,000 grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Municipal Small Bridge Program to replace the weathered 15-foot bridge, which was over 100 years old and in poor condition. The Town was awarded this $500,000 grant. 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.
“It is a top priority to continue to provide the residents and visitors of Saugus with the safest and most reliable infrastructure,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I would like to thank Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Saugus’ State Delegation, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, and the Department of Transportation for their support and investment in the Town of Saugus and our capital infrastructure plan.”
The Town Manager accepted the award during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, where he was joined by Lieutenant Governor Polito, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Pollack, Highway Administrator Tinlin, and other municipal award recipients.
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 on the bridge began in June and is scheduled to be completed in August.
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.
Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram, and visit his blog here.
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