STARTING TO GET REAL: New Butters Row Bridge Project Approaching Major Milestone

WILMINGTON, MA — Six years into the process, the long-awaited Butters Row Bridge project is approaching a major milestone.

Town Manager Jeff Hull announced at this week’s Select Board meeting that the bridge project — valued at an estimated $13 million — is currently out to bid, with a deadline of Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 2pm.

“Once bids are received by the MBTA, staff will identify the lowest qualified contractor for a bid award,” Hull wrote to the Select Board in a memo. “Following the bid award, a schedule with project milestones will be established.”

The bridge will be closed during construction and a detour provided. Hull noted the earliest the bridge would be closed is Spring 2024.

“As details become available with respect to the start of construction and project duration, the information will be made available,” assured Hull. “Given the traffic implications for residents and others who use Butters Row, the Town will be posting information, associated traffic detours and other project-related details via its website, social media, and other media.”

Hull also noted MBTA has already contacted the Town to begin the administrative process of obtaining licenses to relocate existing Town-owned utilities adjacent to the bridge. Existing utility poles will be moved, and the water line currently located to the south of the bridge will be moved onto the bridge.

The Butters Row Bridge connects Chestnut Street to Main Street (Route 38).  Built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1987, the one-lane bridge leads traffic over the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks and is owned and maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

The new bridge will consist of two traffic lanes, plus pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle access. The intersections of Butters Row, Cross Street and Main Street will also be re-aligned, and include improvements to roadway approaches, sidewalks, and landscaping.

The project is being financed with federal and state funds.