Traffic in Haverhill keeps moving during bridge construction

Massachusetts – Traffic flow on the Basiliere Bridge won’t stop during the construction of a $150 million bridge replacement in 2025. 

The bridge connects Bradford to Haverhill and carries more than 30,000 vehicles per day. The current bridge is considered safe, but the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has determined the existing structure has outlived its useful life. 

In addition to meeting traffic volume needs, MassDOT is designing the replacement bridge to include: 

• Sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
• Creating cycling lanes. 
• Connections to the Fiorentini Rail Trail, Bradford Rail Trail and the Dempsey Boardwalk. 
• Minimizing environmental impacts on the river, including reducing the number of piers. 
• Efficiencies to capture and treat stormwater that falls from the bridge. 
• Avoiding impacts on wetlands along the river’s south bank, Atlantic sturgeon and other protected species. 
• Providing horizontal and vertical clearances for flooding events and boaters. 

The final design, expected in late summer or early fall, will share the type of bridge selected and the look of the new structure. 

MassDOT has been meeting with community leaders to gather feedback on needs and concerns around the bridge replacement and the interim traffic plan during construction.