Cradock Bridge Reconstruction Design to Be Presented

UPDATE, 6:35 p.m.: Turns out the presentation IS happening, but at 7 p.m. when the regular meeting happens and not at 6 p.m. as we originally reported. We will have coverage, as always.

UPDATE, 6:15 p.m.: Due to an apparent scheduling issue, there will be no MassDOT presentation on the Cradock Bridge tonight. We'll pass along any information we hear on why.

ORIGINAL STORY: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officials are expected to present the reconstruction design for the historic Cradock Bridge in Medford Square to the City Council this evening.

The presentation is expected to take place at 6 p.m., with the council's regular meeting to follow at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Here's the agenda for the regular meeting.

"This is going to have major, major impact on Medford Square, on the traffic and the business community," said Council President Bob Maiocco at last week's meeting of the project, which is slated to take place in spring 2014.

A lengthy discussion about Medford Square ensued after the bridge reconstruction was brought up last week, and a further discussion developed in the Medford Patch comment section of that post.

The original bridge was built 1637, rebuilt in 1880 and again in 1909, according to a Medford Historical Society sign on the bridge. The original wooden drawbridge was the first toll bridge in New England.

Part of the design includes a temporary bridge that will allow for traffic in both directions during construction. 

Flooding problems that stretch into Winchester, East Arlington and West Medford are expected to be addressed by the project. Concrete panels that impede the flow of water at the bridge will be removed and enlarge the bridge's hydraulic opening.

This spring MassDOT will hold a public hearing that "will provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed repair project," according to a statement from MassDOT and Medford's legislators last month.