Gov. Patrick Breaks Ground on Lexington's Route 2 Bridge Replacement Project

Governor Deval Patrick on Tuesday joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey along with state and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Route 2 Bridge Replacement project in Lexington. 

The $50.3 million project will replace two structurally deficient bridges that carry traffic on the busy Route 2 corridor over Interstate 95. The work will be performed using accelerated bridge construction to complete the project more quickly and with less impact on the public, and will increase access to local economic development opportunities and area businesses.

“Rebuilding our roads, bridges and other public infrastructure across the Commonwealth is critical,” said Gov. Patrick. “As we make these investments, we are making travel safer and more convenient while building the foundation for a growing economy.”

The project includes two new bridges providing three travel lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction. The work also includes realignment of portions of Route 2 to improve clearance over I-95, along with reconstruction and resurfacing of a two-mile section of I-95. 

“The Lexington Route 2 Bridges project is a perfect example of making a critical investment and doing it the right way,” said Secretary Davey. “We are replacing 50-year old deficient bridges and doing so using a streamlined design-build contract that will accelerate the timeline and deliver new bridges sooner to the tens of thousands of people traveling Route 2 each day.”

This design-build project will allow for construction to begin almost immediately on critical elements of a project, even as final design elements are being approved. The bridge and highway designs are scheduled to be completed in early 2015 with construction complete by Nov. 2016. MassDOT issued the notice to proceed with the project on April 22 following the passage of the Transportation Bond Bill. During construction, a minimum of two travel lanes and one auxiliary lane will be maintained in each direction on Route 2. A minimum of four travel lanes and one auxiliary lane in each direction will be maintained on I-95 during peak travel times. 

Route 2 is one of the main routes used by east-west travelers to reach the Greater Boston area and carries approximately 67,000 vehicles per day. The bridges carrying Route 2 over I-95 were built in 1960 and are functionally obsolete with substandard vertical clearance over I-95.

“Lexington has become a major hub for the life science and biotech industries,” said Rep. Jay Kaufman. “This vital road project will only enhance these companies competitiveness and their goal of attracting and retaining a highly trained and professional workforce. While this construction will at times be an inconvenience, the end result will be well worth it.”

“We are grateful to the Governor and DOT for the bridge improvements in the Rt. 128 corridor in Lexington at Route 2,” said Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy.