Last year, the town was awarded a $500,000 grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Municipal Small Bridge Program to replace the existing Water Street bridge. (Town of Saugus Massachusetts photo)

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works announced that construction began June 25 to replace the Water Street Bridge to build a new, safer and more reliable bridge on Route 129 at the Saugus/Wakefield border.

The existing 100-year-old granite pillar bridge will be swapped for a new, 12-ft. by 5-ft. reinforced concrete boxed culvert. New guardrails will be installed, and the area will be freshly paved.

Last year, the town was awarded a $500,000 grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Municipal Small Bridge Program to replace the existing 15-ft. bridge, which is more than 100 years old and in poor condition.

The town manager accepted the award during a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House, where he was joined by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, and other municipal award recipients.

The Municipal Small Bridge Program allows this bridge project to be funded entirely through the grant, saving the taxpayers of Saugus $500,000 in projected engineering design and construction costs.

“I would like to thank Lt. Governor Polito, MassDOT Secretary and CEO Pollack, Highway Administrator Tinlin, and the Department of Transportation for their support and investment in the Town of Saugus and its infrastructure,” said Crabtree. “The Water Street Bridge is frequently used each day for emergency, essential, and commercial and industrial services. Important infrastructure repairs such as this are critical for the safety and convenience of the community.”

Construction began the week of June 25, 2018. The majority of the project work will take place Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Parking will be restricted in work areas during this construction project. One lane of traffic will be open at the project location for most of the duration of the project.

Some work will be completed on weekends, during which time the roadway will be temporarily closed and traffic will be rerouted. This work is scheduled to be completed July 13-16, and July 20-23, weather depending.

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