West Main Street Bridge Over Nonacoicus Brook

Brief Summary

This project is to replace the existing stone bridge on West Main Street over the Nonacoicus Brook. The bridge construction date is unknown but it is believed to be in the late 1800s. The bridge is constructed of stone abutments and walls with a concrete deck supported by railroad rails. Some of the major issues include severe loss, cracking, and deterioration of concrete, exposed stone masonry, settlement, severe crack/separation of the walls.

The bridge cannot be rehabilitated and requires replacement. A replacement structure has been designed in accordance with current industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Criticality

The condition of the bridge is “serious”, and a frequent inspection schedule is mandated to ensure further deterioration does not occur. Further deterioration would change the condition of the bridge to “critical” and likely require closure of the bridge.

The only feasible West Main Street detour route that would satisfy traffic demand includes a 6-mile route which is unacceptable from an emergency response perspective. West Main Street is a critical link for Ayer connecting businesses and residents from the surrounding communities of Shirley, Devens and Lunenburg. School buses rely on West Main Street to transport students from surrounding communities to the two regional schools in the area. Emergency response, including ALS/mutual aid, rely on the link as well.

Funding

The Town has approximately $1M remaining in prior appropriations and $500,000 from a MassDOT Small Bridge Grant. A current cost estimate (including construction, soft costs, and contingency) is $4.5M. Therefore, $3M is required to complete the project.

Impact to a Residential Tax Bill

The funding request at $3.0M would add $63 to the average FY2024 residential tax bill in Ayer

Documents Attached Below:

Recent Public Meetings, FAQs, Informational Brochure