Rail Bridge Replacements
We’re replacing six bridges on various Commuter Rail lines as part of our work to modernize the system and make it safer for riders. These bridges were built in the early 1900s, and replacement is necessary to extend their service life and bring them into a state of good repair.
- Contract awarded: May 21, 2019
- Budget: $91 million (total cost for six bridge replacements, including others in Lawrence, Lynn, Melrose, Somerville, and Weston)
- Status: In design
Between 2020 and 2024, we'll replace the following bridges, with construction expected to start in this order:
- Bacon Street Bridge – Framingham/Worcester Line
- Intervale Road Bridge – Framingham/Worcester Line
- High Line Bridge – Lowell Line
- Parker Street Bridge – Haverhill Line
- Lynn Fells Parkway Bridge – Haverhill Line
- Commercial Street Bridge – Newburyport/Rockport 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.
Why These Bridges Are Part of the Same Project
We’re using a design-build contracting method for the six bridge replacements that are part of the MBTA Rail Bridge Replacement Project, which will:
- Reduce design and construction time
- Improve communication between the contractor and designer
- Provide a single point of responsibility for both the design and construction.
- Promote collaboration between engineers, the contractor, and MBTA staff
Bacon Street Bridge
Pictured above is the current Bacon Street bridge juxtaposed with a rendering of proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Fall 2019 – Summer 2022
We're replacing the bridge that carries the Framingham/Worcester Line over Bacon Street in Wellesley between Natick Center and Wellesley Square near Morses Pond.
Construction on the Bacon St bridge began on March 26, 2021.
The bridge superstructure has been installed, and work on the roadway and sidewalk will be complete by summer 2022.
Intervale Road Bridge
Pictured above is the current Intervale bridge juxtaposed with a rendering of proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Fall 2019 – Summer 2022
We’re replacing the bridge that carries the Framingham/Worcester Line over Intervale Road in Weston between Wellesley Farms and Auburndale near the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course.
Construction on the Intervale Rd bridge began on March 26, 2021.
The bridge superstructure has been installed, and remaining work will be complete by summer 2022.
High Line Bridge
Pictured above are renderings of the current High Line bridge juxtaposed with proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Fall 2019 – Summer 2024
We’re replacing the bridge that carries the Lowell Line over an access road, High Line, and the railroad yard in Somerville between North Station and West Medford.
Major construction is ongoing.
Parker Street Bridge
Pictured above is the current Parker Street bridge juxtaposed with a rendering of proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Fall 2019 – Summer 2022
We’re replacing the bridge that carries the Haverhill Line over Parker Street in Lawrence near Lawrence Station.
The bridge superstructure has been installed, and remaining work will be complete by summer 2022.
Lynn Fells Parkway Bridge
Pictured above is the current Lynn Fells Parkway bridge juxtaposed with a rendering of proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Fall 2019 – Summer 2022
We’re replacing the bridge that carries the Haverhill Line over Lynn Fells Parkway in Melrose between Melrose Cedar Park and Melrose Highlands.
Construction on the Lynn Fells Parkway bridge began on March 15, 2021.
The bridge superstructure has been installed. Remaining work at this location, which includes work on the roadway and sidewalk, will be complete by summer 2022.
Commercial Street Bridge
Pictured above is the current Commercial Street bridge juxtaposed with a rendering of proposed changes. Use the slider to see more or less of each photo
Project timeline: Spring 2022 – Fall 2022
We’re replacing the bridge that carries the Newburyport/Rockport Line over Commercial Street in Lynn between River Works and Lynn Station.
Past Events
Downloads
We invite you to review documents and downloads related to the Rail Bridge Replacements project.
Recent Updates
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.