Traffic and construction updates - Rourke Bridge replacement project

Constructing 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.

Rourke Bridge construction progress camera

Live view of the Rourke Bridge construction project. This camera feed updates every two minutes. You may need to reload this webpage to see the latest image.

Fall 2026

During this Fall 2026, the project contractor anticipates the following construction activities:

• Work on the temporary bridge pier cofferdams will continue in the Merrimack River followed by the construction of the future bridge pier foundations. 
  • A cofferdam is a temporary, watertight enclosure that will allow crews to construct the bridge foundations and piers.
  • Pier foundations consist of 5-foot-diameter drilled shafts. Steel casing will be installed to bedrock, followed by excavation, steel reinforcement, and concrete placement.
• Center median removal on Pawtucket Boulevard between the Lowell City Water Utilities property and the existing Rourke Bridge. Pavement markings will be updated in late October to establish a center median work zone and support construction activities.
• Site preparation on the south side of the river, which will include establishing a construction access road, grading, and embankment work.
• National Grid, Crown Castle, Comcast, and AT&T will relocate utilities along Pawtucket Boulevard and Middlesex Street.
• Temporary, off-peak-hour closures are anticipated on weekdays, on Pawtucket Boulevard, Middlesex Street, and Wood Street Extension, within the project limits.

When is this work happening?  

• Installation of the pier cofferdams will continue through October 2026. 
• Pawtucket Boulevard center median work activities will take place through the end of 2026.
• Earthwork activities in south work zones will take place throughout 2026.
• Construction vehicles will begin accessing the work zone from Wood Street Extension as soon as Monday, August 31.
• Utility relocation work will take place throughout the month of October.
• Typical work hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.
• All activities are weather permitting and are subject to change.

How will this affect you? 

• To facilitate construction of the south work zone access ramp, a single-lane closure is anticipated on southbound Wood Street Extension from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Temporary sidewalk closures and pedestrian detours are anticipated between Middlesex Street and the Merrimack River of the existing Rourke bridge approach to support trucks entering and exiting the work zone from Wood Street Extension. A flagger will be stationed at the construction entrance to coordinate truck movements with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• Temporary lane reductions are expected during off-peak traffic hours on Pawtucket Boulevard and Middlesex Street at the Rourke Bridge. Drivers should exercise caution and expect delays.
• Police details and appropriate signage will be deployed to assist traffic flow around the work zones when necessary.
• Access for pedestrians and emergency services will be maintained.
• All work barges and equipment within the river are illuminated with lights at the corner of the barges.

Environmental abatement, Wood Street Extension:

On the south side of the Merrimack River, the project team has secured a limited area of Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) mixed with soil. The material does not pose a risk to public health or safety.

• Removal activities are expected to occur this fall and winter 2026 by licensed professionals in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• These activities will include strict environmental controls, monitoring, and safety measures to protect nearby residents, the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell community, project personnel, and surrounding properties.
• Upon completion, the site will be left in an improved environmental condition that provides long-term benefits to the community.

Merrimack River marine coordination:

• Construction operations will continue throughout the fall on the Merrimack River. The public is advised to follow all river signage and stay within the channel buoys between the UMass Lowell boathouse and the Rourke Brothers Memorial Boat Ramp.
• Please see the Merrimack River access map below for additional information. Maps are for illustrative and coordination purposes only.

Coming soon – late Fall 2027

• Construction of the permanent bridge piers will begin this fall.
• Pile driving for the bridge abutment foundation on the north side of the Merrimack River is anticipated to begin in November 2026.

Archive traffic & construction updates 

Stay connected

• For more information on the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project, please visit our website at this link.
• To reach the project team, please email [e-mail].
• If you have been forwarded this email, and would like to receive project updates and traffic advisories, please subscribe for updates.