Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) was joined by State Representative Jim Arciero, Westford Assistant Town Manager Eric Heideman, Westford Town Engineer Paul Starratt, and members of the Westford Select Board to highlight $2,006,439 secured by Trahan through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace and upgrade Westford’s Beaver Brook Bridge.

“Replacing the Beaver Brook Bridge is long overdue. Once completed, parents in Forge Valley will be able to cross the bridge to get their kids to school and themselves to work without having to think twice about its safety,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Outcomes like this – where people’s lives are made better, even if it’s just a few minutes less in the car each day – is exactly why I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“The Town of Westford is greatly appreciative to Congresswoman Trahan and Representative Arciero for securing our community with 2 million dollars in grant funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Westford Assistant Town Manager Eric Heideman. “These funds will be used to replace the town’s Beaver Brook Bridge, which will benefit both Westford residents and neighboring communities.”

The $2 million funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go towards the complete replacement and subsequent upgrade of the Beaver Brook Bridge and conjoining roadway. This project will ensure the bridge – which currently has structural deficiencies that could result in unforeseen road closures – is dependable for decades to come. Upgrades will include a sidewalk over the bridge, two bicycle lanes, and updated traffic equipment. Given the essential role that the Beaver Brook Bridge plays to Westford citizens, parts of the construction, including precast concrete beams and abutments, will be completed prior to work on the bridge to limit the duration of the road closure. 

The federal funding secured will cover 80% of the entire infrastructure project with the rest being secured through state contributions. The project is expected to be completed within the next two years. 

“It was great to join U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan and members of Westford municipal government for the presentation of a $2 million check of federal funds for the reconstruction of the Beaver Brook Bridge which culverts are compromised.  This joint effort which required passage of special state legislation for the project to meet state environmental standards, will allow for both safe reliable transportation for the average 4,000 cars which utilize this route, as well as an upgrade for recreational use with proper boat ramps,” said State Representative Jim Arciero (D-Westford). “The proposed project, which began construction this past summer after an initial municipality review began in 2017, includes replacing the existing, deteriorated twin culverts carrying Beaver Brook Road crossing over Beaver Brook with a concrete bridge structure and recast wingwalls adjacent to the bridge at both elevations.”

“The Beaver Brook Bridge Project is scheduled to begin in April 2023 with substantial completion in late September 2023. A road closure and detour will be in place form June 17, 2023 - September 27, 2023. When the project is complete, approximately 4,000 residents a day will benefit from the improved safety, pedestrian access and a boat ramp to Forge Pond and Beaver Brook.” said Westford Town Engineer Paul Starratt. “Special thanks to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for her partnership in the project and for her assistance in securing the federal funds to make this infrastructure project a reality.”

Congresswoman Trahan voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021. This legislation is providing at least $4.2 billion to support the completion of essential road and bridge projects across the Commonwealth. A comprehensive list of all federal investments established by the bill can be found HERE.

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