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Andover officials say Bunker Hill bridge may reopen Dec. 1; Long Hill rebuild set for spring 2026
Summary
Town staff reported the final concrete work on the Bunker Hill Bridge is complete and the span could reopen as early as Dec. 1 if weather permits. The Long Hill Road bridge replacement is scheduled to begin April 1, 2026; SLR was recommended for construction inspection services and DOT is negotiating compensation.
The Town of Andover was told Tuesday that the Bunker Hill Bridge project is nearing completion and crews expect to reopen the span by Dec. 1 if the weather cooperates.
"The waterproof membrane has to go on, the deck rail has to go on, it's got to be paved," said Eric Anderson, the outgoing town administrator, explaining that the contractor scheduled paving for Nov. 20 and that remaining drainage work must follow. "So the bridge should be back open by December 1st as long as the weather cooperates over the next week or two." (Eric Anderson)
Separately, the board received an update on the Long Hill Road bridge replacement, which town staff said remains on track to start April 1, 2026. The project will include a temporary traffic signal at Hendy Road and requires utility relocations and tree removals before construction can begin.
Staff told the board they had selected SLR to provide construction inspection services for Long Hill; the selection panel forwarded the recommendation to state officials and DOT has indicated preliminary acceptance while it negotiates fees. "SLR when they finish the project on Bunker Hill will move directly into the Long Hill Bridge project for construction inspection services," the administrator said.
Town staff said the Long Hill replacement is funded through a mix of state and federal programs and that the municipality should not have to cover construction costs if the Capital Region MPO approves a TIP amendment that accounts for higher-than-expected bids. Officials noted design cost estimates have risen since the project was first programmed because labor and materials have increased in recent years.
Next steps for the Long Hill project include finalizing bid documents (town staff expected the project to go out to bid around Nov. 25) and confirming any required easements from adjacent property owners. Staff said they will continue coordination with DOT and the selected inspection firm as the schedule advances.
