The Patrick-Murray Administration has given formal approval to a $3.1 million project to repair the Hamilton Street/Mill Road bridge, which crosses the Ipswich River linking the towns of Ipswich and Hamilton.

Bridge traffic has been detoured since May 2006 when flood damage forced its closure. Construction began in November.

“The Patrick Administration is committed to investing in the repair and replacement of deficient bridges across the Commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. “We are pleased to move quickly on these much-needed repairs.”

The repair work will involve:

• Stabilization and strengthening of the arches and underwater inspection to determine the extent of pier scouring.

• Installation of arch strengthening anchors.

• Scour repairs under the east pier along with roadway and railing repair.

“This bridge is a main connector for Hamilton and Ipswich and its immediate repair will address a vital public safety concern,” said MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky. “MassHighway will proceed with this project expeditiously to prevent any additional bridge deterioration.”

“This bridge is a valuable asset to both towns and needs to be repaired as soon as possible,” said Rep. Bradford Hill. “MassHighway has kept the promise it made to ensure that the bridge is repaired at no cost to the community. I am thankful to the commissioner.”

In summer 2006, MassHighway made about $800,000 in emergency repairs to stabilize the bridge. The repairs were completed through an existing structural repair contract and involved placing underwater concrete and riprap to address significant scour that had undermined the piers, abutments and footings.

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