A fast-track design replacing an old drawbridge over Boston’s Charles River is now underway, meant to address severe skews while minimizing disruptions to 50,000 weekday commuters.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials say replacing the North Station Drawbridge will require extensive planning and coordination. Construction staging of the movable bridges and approach trestles while maintaining access to the 10-track, 5-platform North Station, immediately south of the bridges, is considered “the biggest challenge,” says Kenneth Cadman, MBTA senior director of bridge and tunnel projects.