Project Briefing

Release Date August 8, 2012

Municipality Groveland/Haverhill Project Bridge Reconstruction: Bates Bridge over the Merrimack River Status 60% 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. The contractor has finished concrete placement for the southeast and northeast retaining walls/caps and for piers 1, 2, and 4. The contractor continues to place cement concrete and reinforcing steel for pier bases and walls in cofferdam 3. Electrical conduit is being installed from the north abutment bridge utility bays. Riprap has been placed to finish grade at the abutments in areas where the new steel girders have been installed. The existing bridge remains closed to marine traffic due to structural deterioration. MassDOT has requested the Coast Guard approve a request to maintain the draw as inoperable until such time as the new bridge is in service and the existing bascule span is removed.
Note: Additional project information and history can be found by visiting MassDOTs 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.

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Progress Photos

View of newly installed structural steel looking towards the south abutment on the Groveland side.

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Finished surface of retaining wall on the north approach to the bridge on the Haverhill side.