Press Release  MassDOT Begins Temporary Lighting Replacement Work on Memorial Bridge

SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that temporary lighting replacement work is now underway on the Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 147 between Springfield and West Springfield. Lighting work began on Tuesday, November 4, and will ensure that adequate lighting is installed in the coming weeks. 

“I’m pleased we are able to work with key stakeholders, especially the city of Springfield, to provide a temporary lighting solution that enhances driver and pedestrian safety, while we continue to pursue the permanent restoration of lighting on the Memorial Bridge,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “In the meantime, we’re pleased the Spirit of Springfield can also resume their important tradition.”

“I want to thank MassDOT and the City of Springfield for their collaboration in addressing this critical public safety matter while continuing to work towards a long-term restoration of the lighting on the Memorial Bridge,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “The Memorial Bridge serves not only as a vital connector for residents on both sides of the Connecticut River, but also as a landmark in the city’s downtown. I am pleased that this work will be completed in time for the holiday season, allowing the Spirit of Springfield to illuminate our city as they do every year.” 

"I want to thank the Department of Transportation for working with the city, and Spirit of Springfield, to find a way to ensure that the holiday experience people have come to expect around the Forest Park area is not hindered by the ongoing work on the Memorial Bridge,” said Senator Adam Gomez. “This light setup is one that people come to see from across the state, and I look forward to seeing families enjoy it once again this year."

"I would like to express my gratitude to MassDOT Region 2 for their prompt and effective response in addressing the concerns surrounding the historic bridge. The light structures of this significant landmark play a vital role in enhancing the charm of our city,” said State Representative Carlos Gonzalez. I also want to acknowledge Judy Matt and Mike Garreffi for their proactive outreach to my office, as well as Chris Cignoli from the City DPW for his united advocacy in seeking a resolution."

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration, especially District 2 Highway Director Patricia Leavenworth, MassDOT Undersecretary of Transportation and State Highway Administrator Jon Gulliver, and Interim MassDOT Secretary Phillip Eng for their efforts on this public safety matter,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.  “These lights are an important part of public safety and our number one priority.  I am looking forward to seeing our Spirit of Springfield holiday lights shine brightly across the river, illuminating our city and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces this winter holiday season. Good health and God Bless.” 

MassDOT will complete installation using retrofitted lighting from previous projects, which will provide lighting for pedestrian safety. The temporary light poles are also adequate for the Spirit of Springfield to install holiday decorations consistent with past practice. Lighting was previously removed in 2024 after ancillary structure inspections found significant deterioration and section loss on 34 of the 42 lights on the bridge.  

Going forward, MassDOT has engaged an engineering firm to perform a feasibility study for a permanent lighting replacement project. This project would reinstitute ornamental lighting, with a modern electrical system. This study will identify a scope of work and cost estimate for MassDOT to initiate a future project. 

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