Via Town of Norfolk:
Park St. Bridge Closure: UPDATE - May 5, 2025
MassDOT has completed its initial evaluation of the existing Park Street Bridge structure and its condition. Through this evaluation, it has been determined that the bridge’s condition does not allow for the reopening of the bridge to its full capacity due to safety concerns for the motoring public. A full width reopening of the bridge would require the replacement of its superstructure at a minimum, and such a replacement would require a project with a dedicated funding source.
There is an opportunity to reopen the bridge at a reduced capacity in the short term. District 5 has submitted a recommendation to the MassDOT Bridge Load Rating Unit that the northbound lane on the bridge be allowed to reopen to traffic at a reduced load capacity. This recommendation would allow for passenger vehicles to utilize the northbound lane approaching Main Street but would still restrict truck traffic and other heavy vehicles. The Bridge Load Rating Unit is responsible for making the final recommendation to the State Bridge Engineer regarding the reopening of the northbound lane. Given the impacts to the community the District has requested that they make their review a high priority. While the District waits for the final determination, it is developing the necessary plans to put this changed condition in place as expeditiously as possible.
Regarding the long-term replacement of the bridge, the District has added this to its priorities for the next iteration of the State Traffic Improvement Program (STIP). This bridge is considered an On-system, non-National Highway System (NHS) bridge. Securing funding for such bridges has been difficult in recent years as most bridge funds are being utilized to address bridges that are part of the NHS. MassDOT is evaluating options to fund On-system, non-NHS poor condition bridges, and will continue to look for opportunities to address the long-term concerns at this location.
Thank you for your patience as MassDOT works to mitigate the safety concerns at this bridge. We will keep all stakeholders informed of the final determination of the Bridge Load Rating Unit as soon as it is received.
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