Marblehead Department of Public Works has announced temporary access restrictions near the Village Street Bridge as crews prepare to conduct geotechnical investigations — a detailed study of the ground conditions and soil properties at a construction site — for the bridge’s proposed replacement project.
Starting Friday, Jan. 24, work crews will be present in the vicinity for two weeks. While the Rail Trail beneath the bridge will remain accessible, the access path connecting Village Street Bridge to the Rail Trail will be closed to all users from Jan. 27 at 7 a.m. until Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.
This investigation marks an important step in the bridge’s proposed replacement project, for which the town has requested $2.98 million in funding. The 84-year-old bridge, named after former engineer Harold B. Breare, has shown significant deterioration, leading to safety concerns and the establishment of an exclusion zone for trail users three years ago.
The town’s funding request, if approved, would be covered 80% by the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization and 20% by MassDOT. The proposed design calls for a precast concrete rigid frame on cast-in-place pedestal walls, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional bridge designs estimated at $9-11 million.
Residents are advised to follow police directions and posted detour signage during the investigation period.
For more information, residents can contact the Marblehead Department of Public Works Highway Division at (781) 631-1750.
