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News  Request for Responses: Transitional Crossing Preliminary Design Services

DER has released a Request for Responses (RFR) for municipalities to apply for near-coastal transitional crossing preliminary design services site selection.
11/13/2026
  • Division of Ecological Restoration
Image of a transitional crossing.

The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) has released a Request for Responses (RFR) for Transitional Crossing Preliminary Design Services. DER is currently seeking applications from Massachusetts municipalities interested in replacing waterway crossings in the near-coastal environment that will experience the impacts of sea-level rise and increased storm surge due to climate change. 

"Transitional crossings" are waterway crossings, such as culverts or small bridges, that run over streams, creeks, or other watercourses that are located inland of the intertidal zone and are anticipated to experience impacts of climate change and sea-level rise between present day and 2100. Selected sites will be the focus of future studies, contracted and managed by DER. 

These studies will provide the agency with critical information for future ecological restoration planning, including assessing the potential for facilitating marsh migration and climate adaptation, and serving as case studies to improve related draft guidance for other transitional crossing replacements. Likewise, the studies help municipalities and partners assess risks and opportunities during early planning phases of potential aquatic habitat restoration projects. By participating as a selected site, municipalities will receive copies of the preliminary design study to assist in advancing the crossing replacement.

Please visit the Transitional Crossing Preliminary Design Services webpage or COMMBUYS for more information.

  • Division of Ecological Restoration

    DER restores and protects rivers, wetlands, and watersheds in Massachusetts for the benefit of people and the environment.
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