The latest developments in the design of a replacement Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge, over the Merrimack River between Haverhill and Bradford, will be available for review and comment late this month.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation presents the project’s 25% design at a public hearing Wednesday, May 29, at 6 p.m., at UMass Lowell’s Innovation Hub, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill.
“The 25% design public hearing is a significant milestone in project development since it provides MassDOT with the opportunity to formally acquaint the public with the proposal to replace the existing structure,” officials said in a statement.
As WHAV reported first last November, the preliminary design featured a central pedestrian overlook and familiar arches and vertical elements that pay homage to the current 1925-era structure.
The new bridge will have two northbound lanes, two southbound lanes and improved bicycle and pedestrian accommodations on either side of the bridge. Reuse of the existing bridge’s tower roofs is proposed along the Bradford Rail Trail.
Staged construction will be used to provide one northbound lane, one southbound lane, and one sidewalk at all times while the existing structure is demolished and its replacement is built.