Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bridge Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City project to resurface Aiken Street Bridge cleared by conservation commission
Summary
The Lowell Conservation Commission granted a negative-3 determination for the City of Lowell’s resurfacing project at Aiken Street Bridge, concluding work will be confined to the bridge deck and specifying shielding to prevent debris falling into the Merrimack River.
The Lowell Conservation Commission issued a negative-3 determination on a request for determination of applicability filed by the City of Lowell to resurface the Aiken Street Bridge.
Andrew Maesner, an engineer with TEC representing the city, described the work as removal and in-kind replacement of an epoxy overlay on the bridge deck, plus minor concrete patching and localized repairs. “We’re basically removing the epoxy overlay on the bridge, and then after that, doing some minor concrete patching and then replacing the epoxy overlay in kind,” Maesner told the commission.
Why it matters: The bridge sits within the 100-foot buffer zone of the Merrimack River. Maesner said all work will be contained to the bridge, with contractor specifications requiring shielding to prevent discharge or debris from falling into the river and to contain contractor activity to working hours without staging within the riverfront area.
Commission discussion focused on shielding/netting under the bridge and staging. A commission member asked whether netting would be used; Maesner said specifications include “tipper shielding” (shielding) to contain debris. The commission granted a negative-3 determination by voice vote.
The determination allows the city to proceed with resurfacing provided the contractor adheres to the submitted specifications and shielding measures to prevent impacts to the Merrimack River.
