South Elm Bridge Replacement
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.
We’re replacing the South Elm bridge which carries the Haverhill Line over South Elm Street between the Bradford and Haverhill stations. The current bridge was built in 1906, and replacement is necessary to extend its service life and bring it into a State of Good Repair.
- Design contract awarded: 2019
- Status: Construction is scheduled to begin Summer 2024
- Budget: $20.3 million
- Projected completion: 2025
Rider Benefits
- Provides safer, more resilient, and more reliable service on the Haverhill Line
- Brings the bridge to a State of Good Repair
- Reduces future maintenance costs and service impacts affecting the bridge and South Elm Street
Project Overview
Construction Timeline
We will use accelerated bridge construction techniques to reduce rider and traffic impacts. Single track rail operations for regional Amtrak and CSX freight service will be maintained throughout construction. This allows for a shorter construction timeframe.
Schedule:
- May 2024: Prep work begins
- Late July 2024: Major construction starts
- July 2025: Bridge work completed
- Fall 2025: Ready for use
Service Impacts
In summer 2024, scheduled work will impact Commuter Rail service and neighborhood traffic. Beginning July 15, Commuter Rail service will be diverted from Haverhill Station to Bradford Station. Riders should use Bradford Station for daily train service. Accessible van service will be available from Haverhill Station to Bradford Station. This diversion will remain in place until Summer 2025.
Amtrak Downeaster will continue service to Haverhill station.
In Summer 2025, there will be a full closure for one weekend to remove the existing bridge and replace it with the new bridge.
Contact Us
For inquiries and comments related to the South Elm Bridge Replacement, please send the project team an email at SouthElmBridge@MBTA.com.
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Related Projects
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.