THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 Page 5 Project Underway Work fi nally begins on replacing the Belden G. Bly Drawbridge By Mark E. Vogler O fficials at the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) say it will take about five years to replace the Belden G. Bly Drawbridge, which carries Route 107 (Salem Turnpike/Western Avenue) over the Saugus River. Work on the $99.3 million project began Monday (Jan. 18) and is expected to be completed in March 2026, according to a press release issued by MassDOT. “Following some initial water related utility work, the contractor will demolish the remaining approach spans and substructure elements associated with the original 1912 bridge,” the agency said. “Demolition activities are expected to last until mid-February. The work hours for the demolition activities will be 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday,” the statement continued. “The overall project consists of the construction of a new bascule movable bridge. The new permanent bridge, known as the Belden G. Bly Bridge (formerly Fox Hill Drawbridge), will be located on the same alignment as the original 1912 bridge being demolished and immediately west of the existing temporary bridge.” MassDOT noted that the project also consists of construction of new approach bridge spans, along with reconstruction of the roadway approaches. Signifi cant modifi cations and upgrades will be constructed at the intersection of Route 107 with Ballard Street on the Saugus side. “The existing temporary bascule movable bridge will remain operational until the new bascule movable bridge is constructed and fully operational,” according to the press release. “During the majority of the project’s construction, a minimum of two vehicular travel lanes and one sidewalk will be maintained along Route 107. MassDOT will continue to coordinate construction activities in a manner that minimizes impacts to marine traffi c in the area of the project…Drivers are encouraged to make informed decisions before heading out onto the roadways. Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.” The project is being constructed by SPS New England, Inc. Project at-a-glance Replacement of the bridge will entail: • Demolish remaining bridge and construct replacement bridge • Removal of temporary movable bridge. • 3,060 feet of Route 107 and Ballard Street will be reconstructed • Addition of vehicle turning lanes at Ballard Street and Route 107 Intersection • Replacement of MWRA water line • Work will take fi ve years to complete; staged to maintain two lanes of traffi c • Install new independent fender system • Increase the navigation channel width Purpose and need MassDOT offi cials cite these as the key reasons for the work: • Temporary bridge with limited service life • Permanent bridge will proBRIDGE WORK AHEAD: MassDOT offi cials say it will take about fi ve years to replace the existing Belden G. Bly Drawbridge, which was built in 1912. Work got underway this week. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) vide a reliable crossing with reduced maintenance costs • Permanent bridge will restore four lanes of traffi c in normal alignment • Ballard Street intersection operating at substandard level of service • Deficient pedestrian accommodation • Deficient bicycle accommodation Traffi c impacts “Far too often during campaigns, candidates speak TO voters instead of LISTENING to them. Politicians try to dictate the issues instead of ASKING people what they are concerned about, what they would like to see fought for on Beacon Hill and how elected officials can work to make the lives of their constituents better. That ends now. I hope you will take the time to visit www.turcoforrep.com to let me know what issues you care about most and how they impact your daily life and the lives of your family." Here’s how travel through the area will be aff ected during the life of the project: • Two lanes of traffi c will be maintained at all times • Staged construction required to perform bridge approach and intersection work • MBTA bus stop to remain in operation • Navigation traffic to be maintained except for negotiated short-term closures. Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Working to reform and improve the Commonwealth's failing mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs is something we can all support. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an epidemic that has impacted us all. I’m no stranger to the devastating impacts that substance use disorder can have on families. I have lost 3 siblings to drug overdoses. Two of them in the past 3 months alone. We must do everything we can to stop the stigma of addiction, help those in need and work with the families that are often devastated and left mourning the loss of a loved one. Education Regardless of your background, your socio-economic group or your place of birth, education creates opportunity and hope. I realized early on in my life that a caring teacher can make all the difference in a child’s life. While at the McKinley School in Revere, I needed what is called “speech therapy” today. The dedication and care my teachers showed follows me to this day. When in court arguing a case or speaking in public, I think back on the teachers that showed me anything was possible. We must do everything we can to ensure our schools, our teachers and our children have all the resources they need to succeed. Healthcare Affordable Housing Everyone in this country deserves to have healthcare coverage. Seven years ago I received the phone call we all dread. The doctor informed me that I had cancer and it needed to be removed as soon as possible. With the love and support of my wife and family, I survived, but not without some harrowing moments. Far too many families don’t have the happy ending I was able to have. Here in Massachusetts we have the best hospitals, doctors and nurses in the world. EVERYONE should have access to them without fear of bankruptcy, job loss or lack of coverage. @TurcoforRep PAID POLITICAL AD TurcoforRep.com After my parents divorced, we fell on hard times. We had to move from the house I had known all my life on Reservoir Avenue in Revere, to public housing on Walnut Street. The staff at the Revere Housing Authority always treated us with dignity and respect. They told all of us that with hard work and determination, we could be or do anything. I took the lessons they taught me to heart and am a practicing attorney in no small part to their belief in me. Access to affordable housing is critical as gentrification and the cost of living continue to skyrocket in our area. info@turcoforrep.com Paid for and Authorized by the Committee to Elect Jeff Turco. (617) 548-9429 PAID POLITICAL AD
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