Starting this past April 6, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) began clearing and preparing the median between I-95’s northbound and southbound lanes to begin the process of replacing three major I-95 overpasses
This is part of a long-term project that involves replacing the two I-95 bridges over Stillwater Ave. with a single span bridge. A median cross-over using the new northbound alignment will be put in place to maintain through-traffic during construction. While some traffic delays will be necessary as the bridge supports are put in place, no extended detours will be needed. There will be periodic short-term closures of Stillwater Ave. and Exit 186 ramps requiring
detours. Access to businesses and the pedestrian path will be maintained at all times.
The Kenduskeag Ave. Bridge will be replaced with a shorter, higher clearance bridge span. The decision to fully close the bridge will shorten the duration of the construction period, and a detour will be established for the approximately eight-month closure. Cianbro will begin making safety improvements to the three-mile detour route on Valley Avenue starting later this year. The Kenduskeag Ave. Bridge closure is scheduled to start in 2027. Work is expected to be completed in 2029.
The contractor for this project is Cianbro Corporation of Pittsfield, Maine, and the contract amount is $53,820,000.
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BEYOND THE MACHINE
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Chadwick-BaRoss announced the expansion of its equipment portfolio to include a full line of Takeuchi machinery across the state of New Hampshire, with two full-service locations in Concord and Lancaster. This move brings greater access to high-performance compact equipment, parts and service support to contractors throughout the region.
The new territory also includes Windham, Bennington, Rutland, Windsor and Essex counties in Vermont, as well
Chadwick-BaRoss photo
The new territory also includes Windham, Bennington, Rutland, Windsor and Essex counties in Vermont, as well as Aroostook County in Maine.
announced the expansion of its equipment portfolio to include a full line of Takeuchi machinery across the state of New Hampshire.
as Aroostook County in Maine, strengthening ChadwickBaRoss’ ability to serve contractors in both rural and highdemand construction markets.
“We see this expansion as an opportunity to grow alongside the contractors we support every day,” said Cole Leavitt, regional northern director of Chadwick-BaRoss. “By expanding access to Takeuchi, we’re delivering reliable equipment and responsive service our customers can count on, so they can ‘Be Unstoppable.’”
Through this partnership, Chadwick-BaRoss now offers a comprehensive lineup of Takeuchi equipment, with an inventory of approximately 200 machines, in stock and ready to go with a variety of attachments. ChadwickBaRoss is committed to product support, backing every sale with a full inventory of Takeuchi parts, available at store locations and through a dedicated fleet of field service trucks.
For more information, visit chadwick-baross.com/.
MassDOT Celebrates Groundbreaking On Basiliere Bridge
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating the groundbreaking of the Basiliere Bridge Replacement Project in Haverhill.
The project involves the full replacement of the existing Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge, which carries Route 125 over the Merrimack River and the Bradford Rail Trail. The new bridge will feature two lanes of traffic in each direction, along with two shared-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Once complete, the bridge will deliver significant safety, mobility and operational improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Construction will take place in phases and is expected to continue through 2032.
“Thanks to $190 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Haverhill is finally replacing the Basiliere Bridge — a century-old structure that tens of thousands of drivers, school buses, and emergency responders rely on every day,” said Rep. Lori Trahan. “This is exactly the kind of long-overdue investment that law was designed to deliver. Haverhill residents have waited long enough, and
sacrifice,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This critical investment will allow us to maintain vehicular, marine and pedestrian traffic during construction while enhancing the overall travel experience for residents, businesses, and visitors. The Basiliere Bridge project underscores our commitment to delivering a safer, more connected, and balanced transportation network across the Commonwealth.”
The project also includes improvements to the Main/Water/ Merrimack Street and South Main/ Middlesex Street intersections, as well as work along Main Street, Merrimack Street and Ginty Boulevard. The new bridge will incorporate design elements of the existing structure, including its arched appearance, under-bridge lighting, and vertical beacons.
During construction, one northbound lane (toward Haverhill) and one southbound lane (toward Bradford) will generally remain open, along with one sidewalk. Construction is expected to last approximately 6.5 years, with a total project cost of approximately $240 million.
Chadwick-BaRoss photo
Chadwick-BaRoss
MassDOT render The new bridge will include under-bridge lighting.
MassDOT render
Rendering of the new Basiliere Bridge in Haverhill
with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.
Originally constructed in 1911 as a railroad bridge, the existing three-hinged steel deck arch structure was converted for highway use in 1932. It has since undergone rehabilitation projects in 1972 and 1988. The bridge is approximately 285 ft. long and 41 ft. wide, carrying two travel lanes and sidewalks on both sides.
According to the project webpage, preserving the bridge is a priority due to both the high cost of replacement and its historic significance. The bridge deck is currently rated in “good” condition, while the superstructure and substructure are rated “fair” and “satisfactory,” respectively. A 2018 engineering study evaluated preventive maintenance options to extend the service life of the structure, including considerations for lane and shoulder widths, safety and historic preservation requirements.
The scope of work is extensive. Recommended improvements include cleaning and painting steel arch members; replacing deteriorated steel components; repairing or replacing bridge joints;
new compression seals at deck joints, the bridge is expected to achieve a 40- to 50-year lifespan before requiring major structural work. Regular preventive maintenance will be essential to achieving that lifespan.”
The pedestrian railing design resulted from several public meetings involving VTrans, the design consultant, and community members.
“This site is a major tourist attraction,
particularly during the summer and fall,” McCarthy added. “Widening the sidewalks from 3.5 feet to 6 feet provides a significantly safer environment for pedestrians.”
Traffic is being maintained with a single lane of alternating traffic during construction, while at least one sidewalk remains open for gorge viewing.
H&B was awarded the contract in March 2023, allowing approximately five months to finalize scheduling, mobilize equipment,
see BRIDGE page 12
The project, which began on Aug. 21, 2023, is being delivered by Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors Inc. (H&B) and
H&B was awarded the contract in March 2023, allowing approximately five months to finalize scheduling, mobilize equipment and establish material supply chains.
Quechee Gorge Bridge Project Advances With Major Upgrades
BRIDGE from page 8
and establish material supply chains.
A January construction update from VTrans indicated that two-way traffic is expected to resume in June 2026.
Construction delays occurred in summer 2024 after crews discovered additional deterioration in critical steel arch components. This required further design and detailing, extending the project timeline from two construction seasons to approximately three and a half. Construction seasons typically run from early March through mid-November.
Supply chain challenges and workforce constraints also contributed to delays. Initial plans called for reopening both lanes by Sept. 20 each year to accommodate peak foliage tourism, but this proved impractical given the project’s complexity. As a result, one-lane alternating traffic and limited sidewalk access will continue through each construction season.
The 2025 construction season was particularly active. Work progressed from the south side of the bridge to the north side, with traffic patterns shifting accordingly. By late summer, crews had completed the south side, including paving and reopening it to traffic and pedestrians.
Earlier updates in 2023 and 2024 detailed significant preparatory work, including scaffolding installation, containment for paint removal and lane closures. The scaffolding required temporary closure of the gorge rim trail beneath the bridge due to safety concerns, with detours provided.
By late 2025, Phase 1 work on the south side was complete and construction shifted to the north side. However, delays prevented reopening two-way traffic before winter, necessitating continued one-lane operation.
To date, H&B has completed new sidewalks connecting the bridge to the visitor center and parking areas, along with major structural and deck work on the south side. Remaining work focuses on replicating these improvements on the north side and completing additional sidewalk and railing installations.
H&B has adapted to numerous project challenges.
“Labor and materials have been two of our biggest challenges,” said Assistant Project Manager Emily Merwin. “Recruiting qualified personnel remains difficult, and certain materials — particularly structural steel — require long lead times for design and fabrication. While progress may not always be as fast as we’d like, when staffing and materials align, we’re very satisfied with our productivity.”
The constrained job site has required careful equipment selection and innovative approaches.
“We used a Link-Belt 135 excavator because its compact dimensions allowed it to operate on the deck while still providing the necessary lifting capacity,” Merwin said. “For tighter conditions, such as maintaining access for snowplows, we used a smaller KOBELCO 55 excavator. We also implemented protective measures around a waterline running along the north side of the bridge.”
All work has been conducted during daytime hours.
“VTrans has been a strong partner throughout this project,” Merwin added. “We share the same goal of completing the rehabilitation successfully.”
or replacement of worn steel components such as joints, lattice members and gusset plates.
Steel replacement has been a major component of the project, involving the removal of rivets, installation of bolts, and replacement of deteriorated steel sections — often in confined and difficult-to-access areas. Large steel elements, some measuring up to 25 ft., have required careful handling and precise placement.
Deck and sidewalk construction also has been complex, requiring suspended formwork systems built by carpenters across nine 20-ft. bays. These systems must support wet concrete and later be dismantled efficiently after curing.
Materials used include lumber for formwork (plywood, dimensional lumber and DOKA walers), high-strength low-alloy structural steel, and 4,000 psi performance-based concrete.
Equipment on site includes excavators, backhoes and skid steers, with both owned and rented machinery supporting
Typical daily staffing includes 15 to 20 workers, including subcontractors such as Bach Ornamental Steel and Tri-State
Preventive maintenance of equipment remains a priority.
“High-use items like light plants require regular servicing,” Merwin said. “We schedule maintenance every 250 hours and rely on both in-house personnel and mobile mechanics to address
“Effort and productivity often follow the weather,” Merwin said. “But overall, the team is working well together and remains committed to delivering a successful project.” CEG
All photos courtesy of Harrison & Burrowes Bridge )
New Hampshire Good Roads Association Elects New Board
The New Hampshire Good Roads Association, a statewide nonprofit organization established in 1904 to represent individuals and businesses engaged in the development and maintenance of New Hampshire’s transportation infrastructure, formally announced the results of its 2026–27 election of officers and directors.
The election was conducted during the association’s annual meeting on April 9, 2026, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, N.H.
Officers elected were:
• President — Brett Merrill, Hews Company, Bow;
• Vice President — Ron Ciotti, Hinckley Allen, Manchester;
• Treasurer — Chris Robert, E.D. Swett, Inc., Concord; and
• Past President — Will Hess, Hess Engineering & Construction Consultants, Ashland.
Directors elected were:
• Marisa DiBiaso, Hoyle Tanner, Portsmouth;
• Matthew Harrison, Beck & Bellucci, Franklin;
• Andy Key, D.R. Key Corp., Lebanon;
• Patrick L’Heureux, Severino Trucking Company, Candia Doug Seyler, Trimble, Portsmouth; and
• Meghan Theriault, Town of Gilford, Gilford Bill Wright, Camerota Truck Parts, Bow.
The New Hampshire Good Roads Association encourages the development of a safe, efficient and environmentally sound highway transportation system in New Hampshire.
