Below is an update on the recent repair schedule for the Rourke Bridge.

It was forwarded to City Manager Tom Golden and the City Council by 16th Middlesex State Representative Rodney Elliott in response to an item on last night’s meeting agenda. The information was provided by Paul Stedman, the District 4 Highway Director at Mass DOT:

“Hi Representative- the contractor did not work Christmas week, which is pretty standard industry wide. They also had a short week last week as there are work hour restrictions in our contracts around major holidays.

They did work the latter part of last week and are continuing to work, weather permitting. Case in point, the weekend storm cancelled any work Sunday evening and likely last night. Tonight there is heavy rain and high winds forecast, which will likely result in the work being cancelled.

We have been clear from the outset that work will continue through the winter as long as it safe and efficient to do so.

As of now we have replaced approximately 100 deck panels and 25 of the sway braces. They are working on span 8 on the northern side and will be shifting to span 7 shortly. When railroad flaggers become available, they will shift to span 2 on the southern end.

We are working on getting getting a bi weekly progress update put together that will help show the status.”