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Mayor: Railroad bridge project underway; South Main Street work will cause detours and months‑long disruptions
Summary
Mayor Costello reported that construction on the railroad bridge work has begun and will include utility relocations, detours and a multi‑year schedule; the project should raise clearance roughly 8–18 inches to improve truck access.
Mayor Costello told the Amherst City Council on Feb. 10 that construction has begun on the railroad bridge project affecting South Main Street and adjacent streets, and that the work will involve utility moves, detours and a multiyear schedule.
Costello said the initial work includes utility relocations and installation of a large crane to set components, and that a new temporary track will be added as part of sequencing. The mayor said the project is expected to raise clearance by about "8‑18 inches," which he said is sufficient to allow trucks to pass under the rebuilt structure.
He warned that the construction will generate traffic inconveniences through the summer and beyond, that contractors have placed a construction trailer near the tracks, and that the city’s engineers and utility staff are coordinating with the contractor and railroad. Residents with concerns were asked to contact the mayor’s office so the city can relay issues to the construction company or railroad.
Why it matters: the bridge work affects vehicle routing, downtown access and possibly local businesses while it is underway; changes to vertical clearance are intended to improve long‑term truck access under the bridge.
What’s next: The mayor said work will continue as weather permits and that the city will try to keep roads open as much as possible; no schedule for lane closures or specific detours was adopted during the council meeting.
