LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Massachusetts Department of Transportation "(MassDOT) Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Lowell’s state delegation, and Mill City leaders to officially break ground on the Rourke Bridge Replacement Project, a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade made possible by $251 million in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“For decades, folks in Lowell have waited for a permanent solution to the Rourke Bridge, and today, we’re delivering. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re breaking ground on a safe, modern bridge that will finally meet the needs of Mill City residents,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “This project is about more than just reducing traffic – it’s about connecting neighborhoods, improving safety, and investing in Lowell’s future. I was proud to fight for the funding that made this possible, and I’ll keep working to bring federal dollars home to deliver results for our community.”
“I’m proud to help deliver $251 million in federal funding for a milestone decades in the making: the replacement of the Rourke Bridge,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “This groundbreaking represents a bridge to a strong future for Lowell—a bridge between our federal, state, and local government, and a bridge between the communities of workers, immigrants, students, and scientists who embody the city of Lowell. At a moment when federal funding is under attack, this investment in Lowell—made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—demonstrates the power of what we can achieve when Congress partners with our states and municipalities to deliver transformative investments. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Trahan, Senator Warren, the Healey-Driscoll administration, City Manager Golden, Mayor Rourke, and state and local officials in Lowell for their dedication to making this project a reality.”
“Today’s groundbreaking is a tremendous milestone in getting the Rourke Bridge off the ground,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Our work to deliver the federal funding for this bridge is an example of the good we can do in government when we fight for it.”
“The Lowell Rourke Bridge Replacement Project will result in smoother, faster commutes and restore a critical link for the Greater Lowell community and economy,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is proud to support this project, and we are grateful for the strong leadership of Congresswoman Trahan and Senators Markey and Warren to secure this funding for our communities.”
Constructed in 1983 as a “temporary” structure, the Rourke Bridge has served as a vital connection between Lowell’s Highlands and Pawtucketville neighborhoods for over 40 years. Despite its temporary origins, the bridge remains in daily use by more than 27,000 vehicles, yet lacks the capacity and multimodal infrastructure to support today’s traffic volumes and accessibility standards.
In 2021, Trahan supported passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is delivering more than $10 billion to support infrastructure improvement projects across the Commonwealth. Recognizing the critical need for a permanent replacement, Congresswoman Trahan worked with then-Governor Charlie Baker to prioritize the Rourke Bridge in the state’s bridge replacement plan. The $303 million project, now supported by Governor Maura Healey’s administration, is being funded largely through the $251 million in federal dollars secured by Trahan and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Over the last decade, Lowell’s federal delegation has secured $286 million in federal funding for Lowell’s bridges.
“The Rourke Bridge is more than just a way to cross the Merrimack; it’s a lifeline for Lowell and the surrounding region,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Breaking ground on this project marks a major step toward a safer, stronger, and more connected future. With new lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use paths, the bridge will serve drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, while modernized intersections will keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. I’m deeply grateful to our municipal partners, legislative delegation, and project team for their collaboration in delivering an investment that will strengthen this connection and benefit the community for generations.”
“The Rourke Bridge is a key crossing over the Merrimack River and the design of the replacement bridge is a major victory for both safety and mobility in the city of Lowell,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Once complete, the finished product will be a landmark structure that will meet the city’s dynamic transportation needs well into the future.”
The Rourke Bridge Replacement Project will deliver a state-of-the-art, 84-foot-wide, seven-span structure built adjacent to the existing bridge. The new bridge will include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater improvements, modern highway lighting, landscaping, and utility relocations. Construction will allow the current bridge to remain open with minimal traffic disruption. The new bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of 2029, with final project completion anticipated by spring 2030.
“Today's milestone shows what's possible when local, state, and federal leaders work together toward a shared goal,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “This project is an investment in Lowell's infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve safety for all modes of travel, and support economic growth on both sides of the Merrimack River. I want to thank our partners for securing the funding and prioritizing a project that will have lasting benefits for Lowell.”
“This groundbreaking marks a new era for one of Lowell's most important connections,” said Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke. “The Rourke Bridge has been a lifeline for residents, businesses, and commuters, and this permanent replacement will make it safer, more accessible, and better equipped to serve our community for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Trahan, our federal and state partners, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Trahan has continued to secure significant federal investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in projects across the City of Lowell. In 2023, Trahan, Markey, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced $21.4 million to upgrade four key canal bridges. Last year, Trahan and Markey celebrated $15 million to support energy efficiency efforts throughout Lowell Public Schools and $6.8 million for 7 new hybrid buses for the Lowell Regional Transit Authority. She also announced $5.5 million to support revitalization efforts along the VFW Highway and in the Hamilton Canal District and highlighted $1.2 million for a pollution prevention project at the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), an independent state agency based at UMass Lowell.
These investments are part of Trahan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the region’s infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, and building a safer, more connected future for Lowell residents.
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