The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating the groundbreaking of the Basiliere Bridge Replacement Project in Haverhill.
The project involves the full replacement of the existing Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge, which carries Route 125 over the Merrimack River and the Bradford Rail Trail. The new bridge will feature two lanes of traffic in each direction, along with two shared-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Once complete, the bridge will deliver significant safety, mobility and operational improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Construction will take place in phases and is expected to continue through 2032.
"Thanks to $190 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Haverhill is finally replacing the Basiliere Bridge — a century-old structure that tens of thousands of drivers, school buses, and emergency responders rely on every day," said Rep. Lori Trahan. "This is exactly the kind of long-overdue investment that law was designed to deliver. Haverhill residents have waited long enough, and today that wait is finally over."
"I'm honored … as we begin replacing the Basiliere Bridge with a new structure that will continue to proudly honor Haverhill resident Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere, who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "This critical investment will allow us to maintain vehicular, marine and pedestrian traffic during construction while enhancing the overall travel experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Basiliere Bridge project underscores our commitment to delivering a safer, more connected, and balanced transportation network across the Commonwealth."
The project also includes improvements to the Main/Water/Merrimack Street and South Main/Middlesex Street intersections, as well as work along Main Street, Merrimack Street and Ginty Boulevard. The new bridge will incorporate design elements of the existing structure, including its arched appearance, under-bridge lighting, and vertical beacons.
During construction, one northbound lane (toward Haverhill) and one southbound lane (toward Bradford) will generally remain open, along with one sidewalk. Construction is expected to last approximately 6.5 years, with a total project cost of approximately $240 million.
