I asked Town Engineer John Woodsmall for an update on MassHighway’s plan to replace the bridge on Northboro Road that crosses the railroad tracks. The work was expected to begin around this time. Here’s what he had to say:
MassHighway has not settled on a date yet. They are trying for next week, but are awaiting final sign-off for the work by CSX. Even though the bridge is owned by MassHighway, because it is over the railroad tracks, CSX has to review the plans, the contractor’s sequence of work and demolition procedures, insurance, and CSX has to provide flagmen on the tracks during the work. With that being said, CSX indicated that they thought approval of the work would occur this week.
In anticipation of that, MassHighway’s contractor, NEL Corp., will begin installing the detour route signs later this week. Until they get a firm date for the start of the work, the signs will be bagged, so that people don’t get confused by them. Because they don’t have a firm date, MassHighway is waiting to put out the electronic message boards at the bridge, but in the interim, we are looking to place the Fire Department’s message board with a warning that the bridge work is coming soon. Once MassHighway gets a firm date, then they will deploy their message boards as well.
Once the work starts, it is expected to take about two months to complete. Northboro Road over the railroad tracks will be closed for the duration of the work. A map of detour routes is below.
