DENNIS – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation along with officials from HDR Engineering hosted a public forum Thursday night at the Dennis Police Department to discuss the Bass River Replacement Project.
Throughout the years, general wear and tear has left the crossing at the end of its useful lifespan, and must be replaced.
“Normally we come out at 25 percent design for design public hearing. Given the nature of this bridge, and the impacts it will have on the communities, we wanted to get input now early on before we move too forward with the design,” said Joseph Paivo, Project Manager for MassDOT.
The structure, built in 1935, connects Dennis and Yarmouth via Route 28.
“Right now we are still in preliminary design. Once that is complete, we are going to move forward with permitting, continue the design, and ultimately advertise the project in 2020,” said Paivo.
Officials want to stress that the bridge is still safe for passage as it stands now.
During the construction process, it is anticipated that two travel lanes will maintained throughout the construction seasons.
“A temporary pedestrian bridge will be built to maintain pedestrian access during construction, so there will always be pedestrian access on the bridge. There will also be winter construction to reduce impacts during the high season,” said Howard Stein Hudson, Lead Consultant for HDR Engineering.
The estimated cost for the new bridge is $17.25 million.
For more information you can visit, massdot.state.ma.us/highway.
By JOHN BONDAREK, Cape Cod.Com News Center
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