Background
The Rourke Bridge is a critical transportation link over the Merrimack River in Lowell. The bridge carries about 27,000 vehicles per day. The existing bridge was built in 1983 as a temporary bridge.
The bridge’s vehicle capacity is deficient and its bicycle and pedestrian features do not meet current multi-modal and ADA standards. It is nearing the end of its useful service life and its supporting substructure is showing signs of deterioration.
A Corridor Study and Feasibility Analysis of the Rourke Bridge and surrounding streets took place in 2013. The study looked at replacing the Rourke Bridge with a permanent structure, and if the existing location is the most suitable. It developed a series of recommendations to improve mobility for residents, businesses and visitors.
Based on the Feasibility Study, MassDOT is now moving forward with the replacement of the Rourke Bridge. The process will include preliminary design, environmental permitting, and construction.
Project improvements include: the full replacement of the existing bridge with a permanent modern structure, improved traffic operations, new pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, enhanced safety features, landscaping and hardscaping improvements, and better connections between Middlesex Street and Pawtucket Boulevard. The bridge will have increased capacity providing two travel lanes in each direction, shoulders, sidewalks, and shared use paths on either side of the bridge, for pedestrians and cyclists. Intersections at either end of the bridge will be reconstructed, as well as portions of Wood Street, Pawtucket Boulevard, and Old Ferry Road.
Additional Resources
Current Schedule
2019-2020 – Data Collection
2020-2021 – Project Development
2021-2022 – Conceptual Design
2022-2023 – Preliminary Engineering
2023-2024 – Environmental Permitting and Right-of Way Acquisition
2024-2025 – Design-Build Procurement
- September 18, 2024 - Final Request for Proposal Sent to Design-Builders
- January 23, 2025 - Public Price Proposal Opening Date
- March 28, 2025 - Anticipated Notice to Proceed
2025-2030 - Construction
Design-build project delivery
This project will be completed using the design-build project delivery method, where a single team manages both the design and construction. This integrated approach combines final design and construction into one phase, eliminating the need for a separate construction bid based on finalized plans and specifications. By streamlining the process, design-build reduces project timelines and fosters collaboration among designers, contractors, and the MassDOT team.
Design-build contracts are procured using a Base Technical Concept (BTC) and a request for proposals that details performance requirements. The design-build team’s proposal must meet or exceed the BTC. In May 2025, MassDOT awarded the best-value design-build contract to Skanska USA and Jacobs Engineering (Skanska-Jacobs).
Skanska-Jacobs, in partnership with MassDOT, will work together through the remaining phases of the project, which include final design and construction. This delivery method also enables the contractor to begin early construction on some items while final design is still underway. MassDOT is utilizing design-build more frequently because it promotes innovation, reduces the owner’s project risk, and expedites project delivery.
