Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement May 2021 Progress Recap
Updated on June 14, 2021
The MBTA is pleased to provide you with this update of project activities completed in May 2021 and ongoing or upcoming work for June 2021.
Moveable Bascule Span
Due to its size and weight, the southern bascule span was shipped in sections. Once delivered on site, crews began assembling the sections and preliminary alignments. They connected the trunnion heel section, which includes the counterweight section, to the bascule rack—then connected the bascule leaf section to the trunnion heel section.
East Approach Spans
Crews continued to work on the approach span superstructure. They formed and poured concrete curbs that run along the deck edges, retain the track ballast, and support the walkways. After constructing the curbs, crews applied waterproofing to the deck and installed the track ballast.
Control Tower
Within the new control tower, crews continue installation of new conduit and wiring of critical electrical, signal, and system controls equipment. They also connected both the northern and southern submerse conduits that cross the channel to the tower.
Pier 2
At Pier 2, crews installed the trunnion support towers. The trunnion will support the bascule span and is the axle that the span will rotate on. Crews also installed new span drive machinery at the pier. This machinery will drive the pinion, which in turn will engage the span’s rack and move the span.
Pier 1
At Pier 1, crews installed the pier cap reinforcing, then formed and poured the concrete pier cap. Once the cap is finished, the pier will be able to support the bascule span as a rest pier along with supporting the west approach span.
Channel Work
Crews continue work on the fender system. Once complete, the new fender system will protect the bridge structure along with marine traffic in the channel.
West Causeway Work
Crews have progressed on modifying and retrofitting the existing control tower, which is being repurposing into a Signal Instrument Room. The West Abutment is being modified to accommodate the new superstructure. Crews also removed the top layers of the granite block abutment which allowed for construction of a new abutment seat and backwall.
Signals, Power, and Utilities
Work has continued on the installation of signal systems along with supplying power and utilities to the new bridge and control tower. New utility poles were installed, which will support the control and bridge operations.
Upcoming Work
Crews will lift and move the bascule span, and set it into its final place using a gantry crane system. Once the span is set, they will begin work on getting the bascule span operational.
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