Skip to main content
Menu
HomeProjectsGloucester Drawbridge ReplacementUpdatesGloucester Drawbridge Replacement August 2021 Progress Recap

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement August 2021 Progress Recap

Updated on September 27, 2021

The western approach span leading to the bridge is shown in place. The waterway is at left.
The new western approach span in place

The MBTA is pleased to provide an update on ongoing or completed project activities and a preview of upcoming work.

While the complete project remains on schedule, supply chain delays and bridge construction complexities have delayed opening of the southern barrel. While the MBTA evaluates alternatives to restore rail service as soon as possible, work crews will use this opportunity to accelerate other projects planned for the line.

Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

Learn more

Control Tower

Work continues on the control tower that will operate the new bridge. On the observation level of the tower, crews have constructed steel framing to support the glass glazing and exterior paneling. Inside the tower, electricians continue wiring and testing equipment vital for operating the bridge.

The control tower is shown under construction. A worker kneels on the floor of the observation deck, and another worker is in an orange aerial work platform alongside the observation deck at left.
Control tower observation level

Piers 2 and 3

Crews have begun installing the two remaining drilled shafts, which are located at Piers 2 and 3. Crews drilled both shafts down through the soil until they reached bedrock. They cored the shafts and embedded them in the bedrock, then installed reinforcement and filled the drilled shafts with concrete. 

Two workers in yellow suits are shown at left next to the large brown cylindrical Pier 3 drilled shaft, which is suspended from a tractor next to the control tower.

Pier 3 drilled shaft

A large orange crane at right suspends a tall cylindrical metal cage over the drilled shaft in the central background; a work vehicle is in the left foreground, and the control tower is in the right foreground.

The reinforcing cage being lowered into the drilled shaft

Track Work

Work continues on the installation of the new southern track. Crews have installed new track sections on both the western and eastern approaches, new track on the bridge, and new joint systems for the rail.

A worker walks on new train track and rails as they're installed. Tracks run diagonally from upper left to lower right, with existing rails seen at upper right. An excavator is shown on the old track with its boom spanning from old to new tracks, and the bucket suspended over the new tracks.

The western approach track being installed

Railroad track runs through the entire center of the image, with a waterway at left and another track and gravel at right.

New southern track on the western causeway

New track is laid out horizontally across the center-left of the image. Gravel and the waterway are at right, with the control tower in the back right.

New southern track on the eastern approach

The new track and joint system is shown during installation on the bridge. Track is shown from lower right going over the bridge at center and disappearing into the distance in the upper left, but new rails are installed over the track only in the lower right.

New track and joint system being installed on the bridge

Superstructure

With the western approach span in place, crews have now installed all bridge superstructure needed to support the new southern track. The approach's steel superstructure will span from the West Abutment to Pier 1, leading up to the moveable bascule span, and will support both tracks.

A large grey metal span destined for the west approach is suspended from cables before being set in place.
Western approach span being lifted and placed

Signals, Power, and Utilities

Work continues to connect power and controls from the control tower to the machinery room and bascule girder. Installation of the signal system continues, and includes connecting all signal instrument houses and rooms together. Installation of new railway signals and gates continues.

Two workers are shown at left installing a new red and white striped gate at a railroad crossing. The track is shown at right with the waterway shown behind it.

A new gate is installed

A worker stands on metal scaffolding behind three tiers of signal lights while wiring one of the two top signals.

New signal being wired

Large black tubes snake upward toward a ceiling from two metal control boxes. The tubes are clamped in place to steel girders overhead.

Power and controls being run to the machinery room

Upcoming Work

  • Continued installation of signal, power, and control systems
  • Field testing of the new equipment and systems

For More Information   

If you have questions or comments, please email the team at GloucesterDraw@MBTA.com. 

Related Projects

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

 Commuter rail train operating on single lane of Gloucester bridge, other lane is lifted

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

The Gloucester Drawbridge, which carries the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River, has been replaced in 2022.

View all projects

Get Involved

Sign up to receive email advisories and meeting notices.

Sign up

Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

Learn more

Related Projects

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

 Commuter rail train operating on single lane of Gloucester bridge, other lane is lifted

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

The Gloucester Drawbridge, which carries the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River, has been replaced in 2022.

View all projects

Get Involved

Sign up to receive email advisories and meeting notices.

Sign up