CHARLEMONT — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is planning a $7.8 million project to replace the South Chickley Road bridge over the Chickley River, with construction potentially beginning as early as summer 2027.
MassDOT representatives said the superstructure of the 86-year-old bridge is in poor condition, with fractures, potholes, staining and collision damage on the railings.
“The primary goal of the project is to replace the existing bridge with a new bridge structure. The existing bridge was constructed in 1939 and has not been rehabilitated since,” said Project Engineer Kin Lam with Lamson Engineering.
Lam said the design for the new bridge has not been finalized yet, but MassDOT plans to construct a slightly wider bridge that would allow for two lanes of traffic, increase the bridge’s load capacity and meet modern standards.
The new bridge will be constructed next to the existing one, after which the old bridge will be demolished, according to Lam.
MassDOT Project Manager Kristine Chestna said the project would be federally funded, and the current $7.8 million estimate does not include costs for any land acquisition or easements needed for the project.
She said it is currently unclear how much, if any, land would need to be acquired for the project. Any land acquisitions will be the responsibility of the town.
The final design for the replacement bridge will be complete in the winter of 2026. The project will be advertised and a contractor selected in summer 2027. Chestna said it would likely take one full construction season with good weather to complete the work, but depending on the availability of the contractor, they may be able to begin some site preparation and other tasks that summer.
Chestna said more information will be presented at future public design hearings. Questions or comments on the project can be submitted to MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us.
