Work continues this week on relocating electric and telephone utility cables and prepping for gas line moves as part of the Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge replacement project.
State transportation official say the right southbound lane, heading towards Bradford, will shift and the left northbound lane, going towards downtown Haverhill, will be closed Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
In addition, the bridge’s western, or upstream, sidewalk will become part of the work zone Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Pedestrians will be directed to the use the eastern sidewalk and may request assistance from the police detail when crossing the street at either end of the bridge. All businesses accessed by the western sidewalk will remain accessible to pedestrians.
Relocation of Verizon telephone and National Grid electric cables is said to be at 55% complete.
Below the Bridge National Grid will continue preparatory work for relocating a gas line. A construction barge is at the bridge site outside of the navigation channel and will not impact boat traffic on the Merrimack River. The barge is lit at each corner for nighttime visibility. Additional public notice will be provided if impact on navigation becomes necessary.
As WHAV has reported, sometime in September, the more than 100-year-old bridge, which connects Haverhill’s downtown to Bradford, will be cut in half. One lane in each direction will be maintained beginning in mid-September until the $240 million replacement is completed in 2032.