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HomeProjectsGloucester Drawbridge ReplacementUpdatesGloucester Drawbridge Replacement July 2021 Progress Recap

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement July 2021 Progress Recap

Updated on August 16, 2021

Rendering of the proposed replacement of the Gloucester Drawbridge
Artist's projection of the completed replacement of the Gloucester Drawbridge

The MBTA is pleased to provide an update on ongoing or completed project activities, and a preview of upcoming work. Opening of the new southern barrel and re-establishment of commuter rail service to Rockport continue to track for late September 2021—however, the schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather and other unanticipated events.

Control Tower

Crews have started on the upper level of the control tower, which will be the observation or lookout level for bridge operators. Work includes framing and constructing a wraparound exterior walkway, as well as roof installation.

Four workers in aerial work platforms are suspended alongside the wooden platform at the top of the control tower. Another worker stands on the platform at the top, which is covered by a wooden roof. The wooden structure is on top of a concrete tower structure.

Work progressing on the control tower

A worker constructs a plywood enclosure on the control tower's observation level. Metal railings are visible inside the enclosure. Steel columns at the corners and sides of the platform support a structural grid of riveted steel beams.

Control tower observation level

Inside the tower, electricians continue wiring and testing electrical, signal, and control equipment that is vital for operating the bridge.

A steel cabinet with two vertical bays has both doors open to reveal thin green, yellow, orange, and brown cables, as well as several thicker black cables. The cabinet is backed by cinderblock walls and is surmounted by two metal ducts into which the colored cables are threaded.
Installation and wiring of equipment inside the control tower

Pier 2

Pier 2, which holds the trunnion tower with moveable bascule span, is supported by four drilled shafts. Crews had installed the southern drilled shafts at an earlier stage and have now begun installation of the remaining two northern drilled shafts. The first northern shaft was drilled down through the soil strata and cored into the bedrock. Next, reinforcement will be installed and the drilled shaft will be filled with concrete.

The control tower under construction is in the foreground. Behind it on the bridge are construction cranes, one of which is suspending one of the two northern drilled shafts vertically is it is being moved into place. Several workers in bright construction gear stand on the bridge and guide the placement of the shaft.

Installation of Pier 2 drilled shaft

In the foreground, red and yellow cranes suspend one of the northern shafts during installation. In the background, a worker stands on the bridge facing the shaft as it hangs in midair, all against a backdrop of water, tree-covered shoreline, and blue sky.

Work progressing on the Pier 2 drilled shaft

Channel Work

Crews continue work on the new fender system in the channel. They have progressed on installation of the timber boards and beams that connect the piles and strengthen the overall system. This work is being done in a way that will have the least possible impact on the channel and marine traffic.

Four workers, three on a platform and one on a boat, install timber boards and beams horizontally to connect tall, round, wooden piers.
Fender boards being installed

West Causeway Work

Crews completed construction of new, reinforced concrete approach slabs that lead to the west abutment. These approach slabs will span the gap between the rigid abutment and the approach embankment. They will reduce the load on the abutment and the potential for settlement of the tracks leading up to the bridge.

Five workers build large wooden forms crisscrossed with metal reinforcing bars before the forms are filled with concrete to create the approach slabs leading to the bridge. Wooden piers and the waterway are visible in the background.

Approach slab reinforcement and forms

Six workers fill the second of two large wooden forms with concrete to create the approach slabs leading to the bridge. Wooden piers and the waterway are visible in the background. Two more workers attend to other tasks at left. A construction crane is on a platform to the right.

Concrete approach slabs being poured

Signals, Power, and Utilities

With the bascule span set in place, crews are focusing on installing signal, power, and control systems. They continue to connect power and controls from the control tower to the machinery room and bascule girder, including construction of structures that carry utilities under the bridge.

At top, I-beams rest perpendicular to a riveted steel beam that spans the image horizontally. Below that is a large horizontal cement structure, suspended from which are long, black, horizontal conduit pipes. The center of the image looks down onto the waterway, which is framed by a cement wall at left and riveted steel structural elements on the right.

Conduit that will deliver power and controls to the machinery room and bascule

Two workers grasp and guide control equipment being suspended on a chain from a construction crane during installation on the bascule girder.

Control equipment being installed on the bascule girder

A utility structure of riveted steel and black conduit is suspended under the bridge. Below it the stone and concrete foundation of the bridge is visible.

Utility structure underneath bridge

On the west causeway, crews continue work on the signal system. They are connecting the signal instrument houses and the signal instrument room, as well as installing new railway signals and gates.

The doors of the metal signal instrument house are open to reveal cables that continue under the house and running through a ditch along the rocky shore near the bridge. Telephone poles and railway tracks are visible at left; the waterway is visible beyond the rocky shore at right.

Signal instrument house being wired

A new signal gate sits mounted on a steel platform surrouded by rails on three sides. The platform sits slightly above the gravel alongside railroad tracks.

New signal gate being installed

Upcoming Work

  • Installation of the west approach superstructure
  • Construction of remaining drilled shafts at Piers 2 & 3
  • Installation of new southern tracks
  • Continued installation of signal, power, and control systems

For More Information

If you have questions or comments, please email the team at GloucesterDraw@MBTA.com.

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Related Projects

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

 Commuter rail train operating on single lane of Gloucester bridge, other lane is lifted

Gloucester Drawbridge Replacement

The Gloucester Drawbridge, which carries the Rockport Line over the Annisquam River, has been replaced in 2022.

View all projects

Get Involved

Sign up to receive email advisories and meeting notices.

Sign up