North Station Draw One Bridge replacement moves ahead

Draw One Bridge replacement moved closer to construction on Thursday, March 5. Also, officials signed a Project Labor Agreement for the MBTA North Station bridge project.

Draw One Bridge replacement moves into the next phase

The North Station bridge replacement covers a structure used by more than 1,000 trains weekly. In addition, the bridge will be replaced through a project estimated at $1.2 billion. The funding package includes a $472.3 million National Infrastructure Project Assistance grant. Meanwhile, Trains described it as the largest federal infrastructure grant in MBTA history.

In a press release, Gov. Maura Healey said the bridge project “is one of the most important rail infrastructure projects in Massachusetts history. … This agreement will help ensure this project is completely safely, on time and on budget, and we’re proud to stand with our partners in labor to deliver this for the people of Massachusetts.”

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Project Labor Agreement sets work conditions

The Project Labor Agreement signed on Thursday establishes wages, safety standards and working conditions for contractors and subcontractors involved in the MBTA North Station bridge project. At the same time, the state said the work is expected to create more than 15,600 direct and indirect jobs.

“This Project Labor Agreement is invaluable to the successful delivery of Draw One,” said Phillip Eng, MBTA general manager and interim state transportation secretary. “It provides labor stability, harmony, and predictability for this highly complex, multi-year construction effort, which will replace two movable bridges dating back to 1931 while ensuring the MBTA can maintain active rail operations and service for the public.”

Procurement continues for the North Station bridge replacement

The Draw One Bridge replacement is expected to take approximately 6.5 years. Separately, the project is currently in procurement, with contractor selection still pending.

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