MBTA outlines vision for new river rail bridge

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This is an artist’s rendering of the proposed Annisquam River drawbridge. It would be made of concrete and open out the opposite way as it does now. The concrete would be more fireproof. The southerly tracks will be moved six feet further to the south.

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June 30, 2012

MBTA outlines vision for new river rail bridge

By Marjorie Nesin Staff Writer The Gloucester Daily Times Sat Jun 30, 2012, 01:16 AM EDT

In 1911, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority built the Annisquam River drawbridge for commuter trains, and crews reconstructed it in 1932.

Flames licked the wooden bridge in 1984, necessitating an update for the structure. Fast-forwarding to 2010, the bridge was declared in the worst shape of any in the MBTA's commuter rail system.

So in 2013, the century-old, wooden bridge, an oft-painted view, will be replaced with a modernized concrete-pillared drawbridge.

The new drawbridge has an expected lifespan of 75 years, according to Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) spokesman Joe Pesaturo. Transportation officials have been sure to note that the bridge's new trestle, the support frame, will consist of fire-resistant material: concrete.

At a public forum here Thursday night, state transportation officials met with Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and the public to present bridge designs by Boston-based Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, which are about 60 percent complete. Tarr had requested the public meeting in order to share plans for the sorely-needed replacement bridge with the public.

"I'm impressed by the design," Tarr said. "I think it will be reliable and long-lasting."

In bridge plans, inspired by a South Australian drawbridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, D.C., engineers opted for concrete and avoided timber, which can be more susceptible to the elements, according to Pesaturo.

In a summary of project benefits, MBTA officials wrote: "The existing bridge, which has served the community well, is reaching the end of its useful design life ... The replacement bridge will provide decades of reliable service."

Though few pieces of the century-old bridge are salvageable, the abutments on either side of the bridge will be cleaned, repaired and reinforced to allow for continued use on the new drawbridge during construction.

Two sets of gray pillars and a massive concrete block surrounding the bridge's draw mechanism will replace scattered bundles of wooden beams beneath the bridge, while a tidy railing will line boats' travel path between the pillars, according to the plans.

Tarr said the new design will also broaden views of the river.

"I think it's a substantial improvement from the perspective of opening up the river view and having a lot less clutter," Tarr said.

The elements, including fire, have wreaked damage over the years, apparent on the century-old wooden bridge.

Officials noted "extensive deterioration of steel" in Thursday's presentation. Also cited were rusting and corroded steel, missing bolts and rivets, deteriorating timber "piles" or pillars, and pockets of joint-weakening corrosion in the bridge's steel.

Members of the city's Historical Commission, present at the meeting, suggested a decorative facade to cover the concrete, according to Tarr. The Gloucester Republican added that, while the decorative shell could be costly, he liked the idea and would work it into plans if the budget allows it.

Officials expect the project, estimated to cost $34 million, to wrap-up in 2015, with construction slated to begin next spring, according to the MBTA's Pesaturo.

Train service will continue throughout construction, Pesaturo emphasized, with crews set to demolish one track and route all trains to the other while rebuilding the torn-down half. Then officials will direct trains to the new track while reconstructing the other side, according to Pesaturo.

Tarr said that, although continuing service throughout construction will slow the building progress, the reliable train service will be worth the delay.

"It signifies that (MBTA officials) understand how important it is to keep real service going. I think it's much better than a protracted use of buses," Tarr said.

Marjorie Nesin can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3451, or mnesin@gloucestertimes.com.