Project area
Powder Point Bridge spans almost a half mile across Duxbury Bay and is the only direct road access between the Town of Duxbury and Duxbury Beach. Duxbury Beach is a popular recreation location for residents of Duxbury and visitors from nearby municipalities. The bridge extends from the Powder Point area of Duxbury – a residential peninsula in Duxbury Bay. The bay is an extremely important ecosystem for marine life.
Project area
Bridge history
The original Powder Point Bridge was constructed in 1891 as a fully timber structure. The bridge was determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Massachusetts Historic Commission (MHC) in 1983. The bridge was damaged by fire two years later, in 1985. During the repair process major deterioration was discovered. As a result, the Town of Duxbury decided to replace the bridge in its entirety. The bridge that stands today was constructed in 1986 and has been repaired on numerous occasions. The repairs have become more frequent and costly as the bridge has aged.
Existing conditions
The Powder Point Bridge exhibits poor structural integrity and advanced deterioration. It is constructed entirely of timber and metal fasteners. The timber is not able to withstand the marine environment of Duxbury Bay causing it to rot. The bridge has undergone many renovations since it was rebuilt in the 1980s. The bridge will continue to need routine maintenance unless replaced. This has led to high costs for the Town of Duxbury and closure inconveniences. It is also a long-term safety concern.
Project status
MassDOT and the project team are developing a design that incorporates feedback from stakeholders including harbormasters, Duxbury EMS and Fire, and other community organizations. The project team will use this input to develop a design that best suits the needs of the community.