Council approves MOA for $1.4M bridge design with Raynham and traffic detours planned

The Taunton City Council meeting held on January 14, 2025, focused primarily on the design and funding of a new bridge project, which is expected to significantly impact local traffic. The council discussed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will allocate $1.4 million for the bridge design, with plans to partner with Beta Group for the project.

During the meeting, officials acknowledged the substantial increase in costs associated with the bridge design, but emphasized that the fees align with standard practices when working directly with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The bridge will be closed during construction, necessitating a traffic detour through Precinct Street and Church Street, which raised concerns about potential traffic disruptions.

The design process is projected to take two years, with a deadline to advertise for construction by September 30, 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2027 and is expected to last for one season. Council members expressed the urgency of adhering to the timeline to secure funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Preliminary estimates for the construction costs are around $4.5 million, with additional administrative costs potentially pushing the total above $5 million. Discussions are ongoing with MassDOT regarding supplemental funding to cover any potential cost overruns, which the city would be responsible for.

The meeting concluded with a motion to support the administration's MOA with the town of Raynham, highlighting the collaborative effort between the city and neighboring town to manage the bridge project effectively. The council plans to reconvene in approximately six months for further updates on the project’s progress.