Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Progress on the Bates Bridge
Even with the recent bouts of rainfall, progress on the Bates Bridge over the Merrimack River continues to be made. The work by MassDOT officials and the contractor have brought the project up to 49% of completion with the resumption of concrete placement on the Southeast retaining wall, and drainage work on the North and South sides of the project.
Please click "Read more" to view the latest update from MassDOT. Below are two photos of the bridge’s progress.
Installation of steel girders over pier 1.
Ongoing concrete and steel reinforcing work at the southeast wall.
Project Briefing
Release Date June 11, 2012
Municipality Groveland/Haverhill
Project Bridge Reconstruction: Bates Bridge over the Merrimack River
Status 49% complete
Cost $49,750,000
Description The project consists of the replacement of the existing Bates Bridge carrying Routes 97/113 over the Merrimack River with a new bridge located approximately 60 feet downstream. The existing bridge will remain in service during construction. The proposed bridge will have a movable span similar to the existing bridge. In addition to the 775 feet long bridge, the project includes reconstruction of the approach roadways in Haverhill and Groveland and traffic signal and geometric improvements at the intersection of Groveland Street with Lincoln Avenue in Haverhill and at the intersection of Groveland Street with Main Street near Elm Park in Groveland. Cianbro Corporation from Pittsfield, ME is constructing the project.
The primary elements of the roadway work include excavation, grading, installation of bituminous pavements, curbing, sidewalks, highway guardrail, pavement markings, relocation and/or adjustment of existing utilities, and installation of traffic signal systems.
The primary elements of the bridge work include the construction of a new movable span bridge which includes the installation of drilled shaft foundations, reinforced concrete piers, a structural steel superstructure, a concrete filled grid deck, a moveable bascule lift section, concrete abutments on pile foundations and retaining walls. Temporary cofferdams will be used during the construction of the work, which will include removal of the existing bridge.
Current Project Status – The majority of work within the river continues to be staged from two working barges that are in place to support heavy construction activities. Concrete placement has re-commenced for the southeast retaining wall and the cap associated with the northeast wall. The contractor has finished placing cement concrete for piers 1, 2, and 4 and continues to place cement concrete and steel for pier bases and walls in cofferdam 3. Riprap has been placed to finish grade at the abutments in the area where steel erection from the north abutment has commenced. Drainage work has resumed at the north and south approaches.
Note: Additional project information and history can be found by visiting MassDOT’s website at: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us and clicking on the Projects tab, then selecting “Current Road and Bridge Projects” and after entering the Town of Groveland or the City of Haverhill, select Project No. 600988.
