Beverly Commuter Rail Bridge Replacement Underway

BEVERLY, MA – The 28-day shutdown of the Beverly drawbridge on the Rockport/Newburyport commuter rail line has begun, and is expected to conclude on Aug. 13.

The shutdown began on July 17, so the MBTA could replace the drawbridge's 104-foot swing span. According to documents from the MBTA, the swing span will be supported by the existing pivot pier. Work will include building a new electrical room and generator, and a remodeled control house.

The contract for the swing span replacement is for $16,177,594. Replacement bus service will be provided during the shut down, but is expected to extend the average commute by a significant amount of time.

According to the MBTA, the bridge opens 5,000 per year: 20 times per day from May to October, nine times per day from March to April and November to December, and three times per day from January through February.

The bridge also sees 31 trains both inbound and outbound on weekdays, and 13 trains inbound and outbound on weekends on its two commuter rail tracks.

Click here to see the MBTA shuttle bus schedule, which will run while the train line is shut down.

Image via MBTA