Burnham Road Bridge Preservation Project

Overview

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is advancing a bridge preservation and maintenance project at the Burnham Road railroad bridge in Andover. The bridge carries the MBTA Haverhill Line over Burnham Road and is identified as Bridge No. A-09-013, BIN No. A92, at Mile Post 23.55.

The purpose of the project is to preserve and maintain the existing bridge structure through targeted repairs that address aging components and help extend the useful life of the bridge.

The project will require a full closure of Burnham Road beneath the bridge during construction.

Existing Bridge Conditions

The existing bridge is a single-span structure measuring approximately 24 feet by 28 feet, 6 inches. It consists of 11 steel deck girders supported by a masonry substructure and provides a roadway width of approximately 18 feet, 8 inches beneath the bridge.

Project materials presented by the MBTA show deterioration affecting the bridge’s masonry and steel components, prompting the need for preservation work.

Proposed Work

The proposed project includes:

  • Bearing seat reconstruction, including jacking and shoring of the bridge

  • Stone masonry repointing

  • Blast cleaning and painting of bridge steel

These repairs are intended to preserve the structure and address deficiencies identified through inspection and evaluation.

Anticipated Schedule

According to the presentation, construction is anticipated to begin at the end of March 2026 and continue for approximately eight months, with completion anticipated by the end of fall 2026.

Traffic Impacts

The project will require a full closure of Burnham Road beneath the bridge during construction.

The MBTA has developed a detour plan to route traffic around the closure area during the work period. Additional details regarding traffic control and local access are expected to be shared as construction approaches.

Outreach

The MBTA has indicated that flyers will be provided to local abutters as part of its outreach effort. The project presentation also notes public engagement as part of the process.

Questions may be directed to the MBTA at: StructuresMaint@mbta.com