The Worst Bridges in All of Massachusetts Are in These 7 Counties

According to a report published by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association in 2021, 4.3% of bridges in Massachusetts are deemed structurally deficient. Some counties with a higher percentage of structurally deficient bridges include Berkshire County, Bristol County, Essex County, Hampden County, Middlesex County, Suffolk County, and Worcester County.

It is important to note that this designation does not necessarily mean that these bridges are dangerous but rather in need of repair or replacement. Let’s continue to explore the 7 above-mentioned counties, including which bridges need repair.

Berkshire County

Several individual bridges in Berkshire County, such as the Brown Street Bridge in North Adams and a bridge in Lanesborough, have been identified as needing repairs. The Brown Street Bridge in North Adams, MA needs repairs due to structural deficiencies. A report in early 2023 identified the bridge as needing repairs, and it was subsequently ordered closed by the state.

The Brown Street Bridge crosses the Hoosic River and is a major route connecting downtown North Adams with Route 2 and Williamstown. The closure of the bridge has caused detours and inconvenience for local residents and businesses. The state has allocated funds to repair or replace the bridge, and design work is currently underway. The exact nature and scope of the repairs has not yet been determined, but the bridge will remain closed until the repairs are completed.

Bristol County

There are several bridges in Bristol County, Massachusetts that need repair or replacement. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), there are currently 123 “structurally deficient” bridges in the county, meaning they require significant repairs or replacement.

Some of the bridges identified by MassDOT as in need of repairs or replacement in Bristol County include the I-195 overpass in Somerset, the Route 79 Bridge in Fall River, and the Church Street Bridge in Raynham. In addition, reports suggest that the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge may also require significant repairs.

Essex County

As for bridges in Essex County, MA, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), there are several bridges in the county in need of repair or replacement, including the Fore River Bridge in Salem, the Beverly-Salem Bridge, and the General Edwards Bridge in Lynn. In addition, the MBTA Commuter Rail Bridge in Beverly is also in need of structural repairs.

Hampden County

According to reports, several bridges in Hampden County, Massachusetts need repair or replacement. Some of the bridges identified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as in need of attention include the HWY Church St. over Water Ware River Canal Bridge in Hampden, and the Church Street Bridge in Palmer.

In addition, the Situational Analysis of Public Infrastructure in Western Massachusetts report states that small bridges and culverts throughout the county need repair or replacement.

Middlesex County

According to reports, several bridges in Middlesex County and Massachusetts need repair or replacement. Some of the bridges identified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as in need of attention include the Northern Canal Pedestrian Bridge in Lowell and the Sudbury Road Bridge in Stow.

Suffolk County

Suffolk County, Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of structurally deficient bridges in the state, with 9 of the top 20 most traveled structurally deficient bridges in the state located in the county. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), some of the structurally deficient bridges in Suffolk County, Massachusetts include THR Long Island Bridge in Boston Harbor, Boston University Bridge over the Charles River in Boston, and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in Boston.

Worcester County

For bridges in Worcester County, Massachusetts, there are several structurally deficient bridges according to MassDOT, including the Burncoat Street over I-290 in Worcester, Gardner Bicentennial Bridge in Gardner, Elm Street over Parker River in North Brookfield, and Old Warren Road over I-90 in Palmer.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, many bridges in Massachusetts, including those in Hampden, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester counties, need repair or replacement due to their structural deficiencies. Repairing and replacing these bridges is not only a matter of ensuring public safety, but it is also vital for the state’s economy and transportation system. It is essential that the state continues to prioritize bridge repairs and allocate adequate funds to prevent further deterioration of the state’s infrastructure.

It’s also important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be more bridges in each of these counties in need of attention. MassDOT has allocated funds for bridge repair or replacement projects in all of these counties and throughout the state, but due to the high number of bridges in need of attention, significant work remains to be done.

Summary of the 7 Worst Bridges in All of Massachusetts

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