By Claudia Rufo—For the North Star Reporter
A replacement of the bridge over the Abbot Run River is set to be done by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
On March 10, MassDOT held a virtual public hearing to present plans to replace the bridge.
The project centers on Bridge No. N-16-004, located just south of Mendon Road and Depot Street. This bridge over Abbott Run is labeled “structurally deficient,” meaning some parts are worn out and do not meet today’s standards. While the bridge is not unsafe, it does need major repairs or a full replacement to stay safe and reliable in the future.
MassDOT plans to completely replace the bridge and upgrade the nearby roadway. The project will cover about 800 feet of Mendon Road, starting roughly 250 feet north of Depot Street and continuing south past the bridge toward Chase Street.
In addition to replacing the bridge, the project will include several roadway improvements. These include rebuilding the pavement, resurfacing the road, updating markings, and adding clearer signs. The design also adds “Complete Streets” features, namely sidewalks, ADA-accessible curb ramps, and wider shoulders for cyclists.
Transportation officials say these changes aim to make the road safer and easier for everyone, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The upgrades follow MassDOT’s Healthy Transportation Policy, which encourages designing roads that support walking, biking, and driving.
The project may require temporary or permanent land easements to provide enough space for construction. North Attleborough will be responsible for securing any needed property rights from landowners before work begins.
The bridge replacement is expected to cost about $10.46 million. A start date has not yet been announced. Most of the funding is planned for fiscal years 2027 to 2030 as part of the state’s capital investment plan.
Residents can send written comments or questions to MassDOT, and these will be reviewed as the project moves forward. Project inquiries may be emailed to MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us.