HAVERHILL, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating the groundbreaking of the Basiliere bridge replacement project in Haverhill. The project consists of a full replacement of the existing Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge carrying Route 125 over the Merrimack River and Bradford Rail Trail, which will provide two lanes of traffic in each direction and two shared-use paths. The new bridge will provide safety, mobility, and operational improvements to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Construction will continue in phases through 2032.
“Thanks to $190 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Haverhill is finally replacing the Basiliere Bridge — a century-old structure that tens of thousands of drivers, school buses, and emergency responders depend on every single day,” Congresswoman Lori Trahan said. “This is exactly the kind of long-overdue investment that law was designed to deliver. Haverhill residents have waited long enough for action to replace this bridge, and today that wait is finally over.”
“The Healey-Driscoll administration continues to invest in the communities we serve by ensuring safe, reliable, and improved transportation. I’m privileged to be part of this administration and MassDOT as we embark on replacing the Basiliere Bridge, with a new bridge that will continue to proudly honor Haverhill resident Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Phillip Eng, Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager. “This critical investment will allow us to maintain vehicular, marine, and pedestrian traffic as we build the new bridge, enhancing the overall travel experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Basiliere Bridge project underscores our dedication to delivering a safer, more connected, balanced transportation network that keeps people moving across the Commonwealth.”
The project includes the replacement of the existing bridge, along with work at the Main/Water/Merrimack Street and South Main/Middlesex Street intersections, and work on Main Street, Merrimack Street, and Ginty Boulevard. The new bridge will also incorporate design elements of the existing bridge, such as an arched appearance, under-bridge lighting, and vertical beacons.
During construction, a single northbound (toward Haverhill) and a single southbound (toward Bradford) lane will generally be maintained on the Basiliere Bridge as well as one sidewalk. Construction will proceed in phases and is expected to continue for approximately six and a half years, with a project cost of approximately $240 million.
