Design drawing of new Rourke Bridge
While physical work on the new Rourke Bridge began in June, the official groundbreaking ceremony on Lowell’s newest span across the Merrimack River has been set for next Wednesday, August 13.
State and local elected officials will be joined by Mass Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, Monica Tibbits-Nutt and Highway Administrator, Michael Gulliver, at the late morning event celebrating the bridge replacement project.
3rd District Congresswoman, Lori Trahan, will also be in town for the long-anticipated groundbreaking.
“For decades, folks in Lowell have waited for a permanent solution to the Rourke Bridge, and next week, we’re delivering. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re breaking ground on a safe, modern bridge that will finally meet the needs of Mill City residents,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “This project is about more than just reducing traffic – it’s about connecting neighborhoods, improving safety, and investing in Lowell’s future. I was proud to fight for the funding that made this possible, and I’ll keep working to bring federal dollars home to deliver results for our community.”
Mass DOT’s announcement confirms recent Lowell Sun reporting that the price tag on the new span is actually $303-million dollars, not the $273-million originally reported in January as the winning bid.
Trahan’s office reports $251-million of that budget is coming from the federal government.
10 responses to “Official Rourke Bridge Groundbreaking Ceremony Set”
Hello inside lowell. Did I miss the time for the big reveal. After 36 years as a resident of Pawtucketville, can’t believe it is finally happening. Let’s hope we can live thru all the delays…….. Deb Belanger
Please keep us up-to-date with the construction.
Why is this dog and pony show necessary, besides the photo op and free shovel? Just build the friggin bridge.
When is the zoom meeting? Not sure, but I think it’s on the 16th or 17th. Please let me know.
How can you write a whole thing about a groundbreaking ceremony but not include the time lol
It’s ridiculous how long it has taken. That bridge was built the year My daughter was born. If there had been a republican in the state, it would’ve been built 20 years ago. No fan fear is required. That bridge has been an embarrassment for 40 years. Just get it built.
It’s about time that life threatening eyesore is getting replaced. I’d be pissed if that hunk of scrap metal was named after me.
Thanks to Lori Trahan and the myriad of state and city officials, and all the others who have contributed time and effort to bring this to fruition at long last. A project of this scale takes a long time, and there are many hurdles to overcome, not the least of which is securing governmental funding. The design looks beautiful! I look forward to the day when I can drive – and walk(!) – over the new bridge. 😎
Exactly where is it going to be located?
How many year’s before done, funny nothing is everybody on budget 273 million dallars