Thursday, January 9, 2020
$1 Million MassWorks Grant For West Newbury
The Town of West Newbury will use a $1 million MassWorks award to reconstruct the Plummer Spring Road Bridge. The bridge, located on the border with #Newburyport, has been closed since 2018 due to a collapsed sidewall, resulting in a 3.4-mile detour. The closure impacts access to Anna Jaques Hospital from West Newbury and impedes the designated emergency evacuation route from the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station.
“After a considerable amount of input from residents and local officials, this $1 million award will fuel the reconstruction of an important link in our local transportation infrastructure,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. “This is wonderful use of the MassWorks’ Small Town Road Assistance Program - it successfully partners state and local resources to get this job done.”
“It’s vitally important to have this bridge repaired so that we can continue to have this much needed additional access between Newburyport and West Newbury. I’m very pleased to get this funding approved,” said Representative Lenny Mirra.
The bridge will also receive a $500,000 MassDOT Small Municipal Bridge Grant for design and some construction. Construction will include pre-cast guardrail transitions, as well as bridge realignment and road widening.
“MassWorks is a valuable program that maximizes return on investment for capital funding, delivering vital infrastructure repairs that improve public safety while stimulating local and private development, job growth and housing production,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
“The West Newbury Board of Selectmen and its residents are deeply thankful for the Commonwealth’s $1 million MassWorks grant for the Plummer Spring Road/Middle Street Bridge. The award is absolutely critical to the communities’ ability to bring this important project to timely completion,” said West Newbury, Massachusetts Town Manager Angus Jennings.
