The PFC Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge crosses the Merrimack River in the center of Haverhill. It carries Route 125, locally known as Bridge Street. The bridge rests on seven spans. It has two lanes crossing the river and four lanes at the nearest intersections in Bradford and Haverhill. Each side of the bridge also supports a sidewalk. The bridge is a vital connector for the City of Haverhill: 25,000+ vehicles cross each day. This figure includes heavy vehicles such as trucks, school buses, and Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MEVA) buses.
All the bridge’s parts show the wear of nearly a century of service. Even parts users cannot see are in poor condition with the foundations subject to scour. The scour results from the river’s current colliding with the bridge’s piers. As a result, the riverbed around the piers is eroding. Frequent inspections and repairs, like those completed in late February and early March of 2025, keep the bridge safe for all users, but have a real impact on the traveling public such as lane closures and detours.
The new Basiliere Bridge’s arches recall today’s bridge.
The limits of work for this project include the bridge and the two nearest intersections. These are Main/Water/Merrimack Street and South Main/Middlesex Street. A short section of Main Street, Merrimack Street, and Ginty Boulevard is also included.
As of September 2025, MassDOT has formally awarded the project to a best value proposer. Notice to Proceed (NTP) is expected to be given to the winning design-build team in early fall with construction anticipated before the end of the year. Once construction begins, it will last roughly six and a half years. Impacts to traffic, such as lane reductions on the bridge or major changes to the adjoining intersections, are currently projected to last roughly six years.
The new bridge will improve safety for all users. Importantly, it can be built in two phases. During construction, there will be one lane each direction, and one sidewalk crossing the river maintaining mobility in downtown Haverhill.
The new structure meets MassDOT’s project goals in terms of:
- Supporting present and future traffic needs
- Improving cycling and walking conditions
- Improving the Merrimack River's water quality
- Reducing the number of piers in the river.
- Allowing continued boating on the Merrimack during and after construction
- Minimizing impacts to nearby properties
- Supporting utilities while the new bridge is being built
- Providing opportunities for accelerated construction methods to reduce construction impacts
- Providing a look which reflects the old bridge while embracing the new
The new bridge bridge’s cross section provides separate travel ways for all modes.
Reconstructing a local landmark
A detail view of the beacons and seating area at night.
The Basiliere Bridge is a symbol of Haverhill. Some version of its picture is on the City’s own website and the local Fire Department’s uniforms. The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and Latino Coalition also use a picture of the bridge in their logos. The new bridge is the result of a partnership between MassDOT and the Haverhill community. This partnership has produced a structure that reflects its host community and, like today’s bridge, will be a source of pride.
Major elements of the replacement bridge that are direct results of this partnership include:
- An arched appearance that references the existing bridge.
- Under-bridge lighting that highlights the bridge’s arches at night.
- Vertical beacons that echo the existing bridge’s towers and can be lit at night.
- A central seating area to invite Haverhill community members to the bridge and enjoy views of the river
- A formally defined, four-lane cross-section with separate bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
- Reuse of the existing bridge’s tower roofs in the Bradford Rail Trail Park.
A robust public process continues into construction
The existing bridge’s tower roofs reused for gazebos in the Bradford Rail Trail Park.
The projected replacement for the PFC Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge is the result of a transparent, iterative public involvement process. Prior to the May 29, 2024, Design Public Hearing, MassDOT held two public information meetings, two public workshops, and met directly with key local stakeholder groups: the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, the Haverhill Latino Coalition, and the Crescent Yacht Club which docks its boats immediately downstream of the bridge in Bradford. The community process has been marked by a cooperative spirit, and key elements of the replacement bridge can be attributed in a large part to input from participants in the public process.
Public outreach will remain an important part of the project once it transitions into construction. Members of the community can expect an introductory public information meeting. The meeting will explain how the design-builder will stage the project, the steps they will take to keep traffic moving during construction, and how the environmental commitments will be met. Regular updates will be issued through this website and the project’s email distribution system, as was done during the repair work in early 2025. This will allow residents to monitor project progress and know what to expect during construction. With construction expected to begin in late 2025, we encourage all interested parties to sign up to receive project updates. To see an example of a website for a project in active construction, please see: I-495 Andover-Lawrence bridge replacements.