Gov. Patrick in Medford for Bridge Replacement Update
Governor Deval Patrick was in Medford Tuesday morning to receive an update on a project to replacement fourteen bridges along Route 93 in Medford this summer. The Governor dropped by the project office at the former St. Francis of Assisi School, where he congratulated staff on nine successful bridge replacements and received an update on the project’s remaining work this summer.
“Fast14 is one of the most ambitious and innovative infrastructure projects in the nation, and is a perfect example of the lasting investments we are making in infrastructure projects across the state,” said Governor Patrick. “I want to thank the MassDOT employees and construction crews for their outstanding work on this project and look forward to its completion in just a few short weeks.”
Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn and State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford) joined Governor Patrick for the project update. According to Mayor McGlynn, while noise has bothered residents who live close to Route 93, the bridge replacement project has gone smoothly and state and local officials have worked well together.
According to information released by the Governor’s office, The “Fast14” project is funded by the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Accelerated Bridge Program, an historic 8-year, $3 billion investment to repair the Commonwealth’s structurally deficient bridges. To date, the ABP has reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges from 543 to 458, a decrease of almost 16 percent. Since its inception in 2008, the ABP has created over 2,713 construction contractor jobs and sustained an additional 4,179 jobs, according to a statement from the Governor.
Governor Patrick joined a morning staff meeting.
Governor Patrick and Mayor McGlynn toured a command center that shows live traffic and road conditions.
State Transportation Secretary Jeff Mullan, center, briefed the Governor, Mayor McGlynn, and Sen. Jehlen on the project.
A throng of reporters and photographers greeted Governor Patrick outside of the St. Francis school, which will be used as a project office until all work is completed.
– InsideMedford.com