East Braintree Civic Association

Fore River Bridge

Could the Fore River Bridge Turn into the South Shore's Tobin?

Highway officials say their preferred option is a mile-long, fixed-span structure that would eliminate the need for bridge openings and alleviate traffic tieups on Route 3A. This option was recently turned down but no other option have been finalized yet.

Residents and local officials are strongly opposed to that plan saying a mile-long bridge would block access to businesses and overshadow neighborhoods in Quincy Point and North Weymouth.


‘‘People are concerned about the size of it,’’ said District 1 Town Councilor Colin McPherson, who represents North Weymouth. ‘‘They don’t want to be overwhelmed by something hovering above them.’’


The current Fore River Bridge, which opened in 1936, is about a half-mile long and has a 40-foot-high span. Its recommended replacement would be more than four times as high and twice as long.


At an estimated cost of $100 million, the 175-foot-tall bridge would be the cheapest of four alternatives identified by the Massachusetts Highway Department.


The other possibilities include a $400 million tunnel, a vertical lift-span drawbridge similar to the temporary bridge now under construction and a bascule-style drawbridge like the current structure. Each drawbridge option would cost about $175 million.


The fixed-span bridge was recommended by former State Highway Commissioner Matthew Amorello, who has since left the agency to take over the chairmanship of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. It is unclear how his move will affect the future of the project.


The existing bridge, which is used by about 41,000 vehicles a day, will be temporarily replaced by a $40 million drawbridge in the fall. The temporary bridge is being built to last 15 years, although a permanent replacement should be ready in 10 years.


Highway officials have said cost and public opinion will be considered in selecting a final plan for the bridge. A decision is expected by the end of the year.