large_diver
Contributor
From a Boston.com article discussing various bridge issues in MA
"....Also yesterday, an inspection revealed an expanding sink hole beneath a bridge tender's house on the Blyman Bridge, which takes Route 127 across the Annisquam River in Gloucester. As a result, the Massachusetts Highway Department decided to leave the heavily traveled drawbridge down and to close off the area to boat traffic.
Drivers will be able to continue using the bridge, and boaters were not in danger. However, the foundation had eroded and was in a weakened condition at the tender's house, where the drawbridge is operated, Lamontagne said. The bridge is also considered structurally deficient by federal standards.
Steve Magoon, chief administrative officer to Mayor John Bell of Gloucester, said MassHighway assured the city in a late afternoon meeting that the state "will immediately begin some short-term repairs so we can get back to the point of having the bridge operational."
He said state official estimated the work would take two to three weeks.
The waterway closure comes during peak boating season, and the largest local whale-watching tour company will be heavily affected.
Carol Hill, co-owner of Yankee Fishing and Whale Watch, said their nine boats can take a way around Cape Ann that is 20 minutes longer and will use more gas..."
"....Also yesterday, an inspection revealed an expanding sink hole beneath a bridge tender's house on the Blyman Bridge, which takes Route 127 across the Annisquam River in Gloucester. As a result, the Massachusetts Highway Department decided to leave the heavily traveled drawbridge down and to close off the area to boat traffic.
Drivers will be able to continue using the bridge, and boaters were not in danger. However, the foundation had eroded and was in a weakened condition at the tender's house, where the drawbridge is operated, Lamontagne said. The bridge is also considered structurally deficient by federal standards.
Steve Magoon, chief administrative officer to Mayor John Bell of Gloucester, said MassHighway assured the city in a late afternoon meeting that the state "will immediately begin some short-term repairs so we can get back to the point of having the bridge operational."
He said state official estimated the work would take two to three weeks.
The waterway closure comes during peak boating season, and the largest local whale-watching tour company will be heavily affected.
Carol Hill, co-owner of Yankee Fishing and Whale Watch, said their nine boats can take a way around Cape Ann that is 20 minutes longer and will use more gas..."
