Above: The River Street bridge over a swollen Sudbury River last spring
The Mass Department of Transportation says the bridge on River Street (Route 85) that spans the Sudbury River between Southborough and Hopkinton is “structurally deficient.” One look at the crumbling concrete and most drivers would be inclined to agree.
The state has a plan to replace the bridge, and they’re holding a public hearing in Hopkinton tomorrow night to share the details and get feedback.
The bridge just south of the Southborough Commuter Rail Station was built in 1933 and is estimated to handle about 7,800 vehicles every day. A report by the Mass Highway Devision says bridge abutments are showing signs of deterioration, and it needs to be replaced.
The proposed new bridge will be wider than the existing one – nearly 45 feet wide compared to the current 31 feet. Expansion will come on the west side of the roadway. A new 6-foot sidewalk will be built on the west side of the bridge.
The state plans to wrap up the design process next spring with construction to be completed within two years. There will of course be an impact to traffic, but the state says they plan to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout the work.
The project is estimated to cost $3.5M.
The public hearing will be held on Thursday, October 14, at 7:00 pm in Room 215 of the Hopkinton Town Hall (18 Main Street, Hopkinton – map).
