Traffic and construction updates - Rourke Bridge replacement project

Designing a new Rourke Bridge to replace the temporary structure across the Merrimack River in Lowell.

Status

This webpage will be updated with current and upcoming traffic advisories and construction information. The project was advertised under MassDOT’s Design-Build Program and awarded to Skanska USA and Jacobs Engineering in May 2025.

June - July 2025

What is happening?

• The contractor is scheduled to start daytime investigative in-water soil borings in the Merrimack River next to the Rourke Bridge, and on-street soil borings on Wood Street, Middlesex Street, Pawtucket Boulevard, and Old Ferry Road in Lowell.
• This work is being performed to gather information on conditions such as soil strength and composition to help inform the project design.

When is this work happening?

• Work is scheduled to start in the Merrimack River on Monday, June 16, 2025, and on the roadway approaches to the Rourke Bridge in early July and continue through July 2025.
• Work is scheduled to occur during weekday daytime hours, typically Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

These operations and this schedule are weather dependent and subject to change.

How will this affect you?  

• Operations in the Merrimack River will be staged to avoid rowing lanes and will be conducted in ways that are sensitive to the local environment.
• To allow crews to conduct the on-street borings, temporary weekday lane closures, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will begin in early July at the following locations:
  • Wood Street, between Princeton Boulevard and the Rourke Bridge
  • Middlesex Street, between Cornell Street and Dingwell Street
  • Pawtucket Boulevard between Old Ferry Road and Townsend Avenue
  • Old Ferry Road, at the Pawtucket Boulevard intersection
• Police details and appropriate signage will be deployed to assist traffic flow around the work zones. Lane closures will vary each day as needed for boring work.

Stay connected

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