Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement
- Contract awarded: November, 20, 2017
- Projected completion: 2022
- Budget: $100 million
- Status: Substantially complete
The Gloucester Drawbridge, which carries the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River, has been replaced. The original bridge was built in 1911, reconstructed in 1932, and updated in 1984. The MBTA suspended service across the bridge in April 2020 due to unforeseen site conditions.
The unexpected closure offered several benefits, including:
- Accelerated construction schedule
- Reduced project costs
- Reduced impacts on neighbors and customers
- Enhanced safety and reliability
On December 14, 2022, the MBTA announced that construction on the new Gloucester Drawbridge is substantially complete. The new bridge is fully operational on both tracks and open to marine traffic.
Project Features
In addition to the Gloucester Drawbridge project, the MBTA also installed Positive Train Control (PTC) and performed routine maintenance simultaneously to minimize the construction impact.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Photo Gallery
Top deck of the south bascule spans over the channel. Workers have installed new railroad ties and track on the bridge. (March 2022)
Inside the observation level of the new control house. This is where the draw tender will operate the new bridge. (March 2022)
Workers plan the installation of new machinery that will rotate the bascule open or closed. (March 2022)
Workers assembled the northern bascule onsite. They connected the leaf, heel, and rack sections, and moved this bascule assembly into its final position at Pier 2 on March 22 and 23 using self-propelled modular transports. A large gantry crane lifted the assembly and placed it over the channel. (March 2022)
The southern bascule is in the open position to allow for marine vessels to pass while construction continues. (March 2022)
At Pier 2, which supports the trunnion and houses the machinery, workers laser measurements for the installation of new machinery. (March 2022)
Workers over the northern bascule’s trunnion, the point at which the bridge will rotate. To the left is the heel section, which contains the counterweight. To the right is the leaf section, which supports the top of the deck and new tracks. (March 2022)
Looking up at the south bascule’s rack. The machinery that allows the bridge to rotate open or closed drives the rack. (March 2022)
The existing Gloucester Drawbridge has been closed for repairs since April 2020. The drawbridge, control tower, and trestles will be fully replaced in 2022. (May 2019)
During phase one of the Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement, crew members assembled a temporary construction platform in order to work safely and efficiently. (May 2019)
The existing timber trestle is being replaced as part of the Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement Project. (May 2019)
A crane is used to place steel beams that will help reinforce the trestle section of the bridge during construction. (May 2019)
Reinforced beams are placed by crane to help keep the trestle system stable during construction. (May 2019)
Past Events
Recent Updates
Contact Information
To reach the project team for questions or concerns related to the Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement, please email us at GloucesterDraw@MBTA.com.
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Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Recent Updates
Get Involved
Sign-up to receive email advisories and meeting notices.