JFW News

J. F. White Contracting Company was recently awarded the Chelsea Street Bridge renovation project.

The scope of this project will utilize diverse divisions and talents of J. F. White Contracting Company, including the Heavy/Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Specialty Forms divisions.

This project will spearhead the Massachusetts Accelerated Bridge Program. The program has slated 3 billion dollars to be applied over the next 8 to 10 years in the repair and renovation of 250 to 300 of the Commonwealth’s bridges.

The first Chelsea Street Bridge was built in 1834. The existing bridge is a bascule bridge that has been standing since 1936. The United States Coast Guard has issued an Order to Alter, citing this bridge as unreasonably obstructive to navigation.

The USCG Order makes it necessary not only to repair the bridge, but to completely demolish it and construct a newly designed bridge in its place. The existing substructure will be taken to 42 feet below sea level. The new bridge will be a vertical lift bridge with expanded clearances, as well as a more aesthetic design.

Citizens and commuters in the area, as well as those navigating the Chelsea River, will benefit from the many years of expertise and excellence that J. F. White Contracting brings to this project.

“The Chelsea Street drawbridge is essential for the energy security and economic viability of the entire area, and this new bridge will ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic [and] protect our environment,” said Senator Ted Kennedy.

The new bridge is slated for completion in April of 2012, and is anticipated to be a crowning achievement for J. F. White in terms of its craftsmanship and the value it will offer to the greater metro area. In addition, it will be a great step forward in achieving Massachusetts’ goals of improving the infrastructure and economy of the state.

View other recently awarded contracts