The temporary drawbridge is in use over the Saugus River with planning for a permanent span underway. Item photo by Owen O’Rourke.
By Bridget Turcotte
SAUGUS — There is an end in sight for the Belden Bly Bridge project and residents interested in hearing the details are invited to attend a Nov. 2 Town Hall meeting.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division is holding the 7 p.m. design hearing to discuss the project and get feedback from neighbors.
The proposed project includes constructing the replacement for the previously removed permanent drawbridge. Portions of Route 107 at each bridge approach and at the Ballard Street intersection will be reconstructed, according to MassDOT.
A temporary drawbridge was constructed beside the original 1913 Belden Bly Bridge, also known as the Fox Hill Bridge, to allow one lane of traffic to run in each direction between Western Avenue in Lynn and Route 107 in Saugus while it was demolished.
During different stages of the state project, fishing boats moored in the Saugus River were locked into the area, unable to venture out to sea, affecting families who depended on lobstering income.
Bus stops were changed and detours were routed through nearby side streets, causing traffic to build up in residential neighborhoods.
“In general, it has been a long process,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree. “The residents in the town are happy they’re improving the bridge. It has been a challenge with traffic and breakdowns and different issues throughout the process.”
The temporary bridge, which was completed in 2013, will be removed. The existing water main will be replaced along the approaches and beneath the river. Sidewalks will be added to both sides of Route 107, in addition to a bicycle lane.
“We’re anxious to have it continued and continue through the process,” Crabtree said. “I’m thankful the state has made it one of their priorities.”
Plans will be on display for a half hour before the hearing begins and an engineer will be available to answer questions. Comments made at the meeting will be reviewed and considered by the state.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.