By Katie Farrell Lovett
AMESBURY — The wheels are finally in motion to close and rebuild the Lt. Derek S. Hines Bridge, at a cost of $30.7 million to taxpayers.
And state officials say that the barge that hit the bridge has paid the cost of repairing the damage it caused.
The Hines Bridge, which passes over the Merrimack River between Amesbury and Deer Island, is listed in the state's accelerated bridge program and is slated to undergo construction for 21รขÑ2 years and be closed to traffic during that time. A spokesman for the state told The Daily News that the state is not ready to announce the date of the closure, but he expected it may be announced today. The project is being funded with federal and state money.
The turnstyle bridge, built in the 1960s, has long been deteriorating and has been eyed for replacement. In November 2008, the bridge was shut down suddenly when it was struck by a barge carrying a National Grid transformer; the impact extensively damaged the northern pier. The abrupt closing hurt local businesses in Amesbury and Newburyport, inconvenienced drivers and caused traffic jams in Salisbury as cars rerouted onto routes 1 and 110.
State officials said this week that the barge company has paid $659,400 to complete repairs needed to reopen the bridge.
Temporary repairs were completed, and the bridge was able to reopen until the major construction begins, allowing Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury businesses and residents to prepare for the long-term closure.
Repairs to the Hines Bridge will include "supports for direct vessel impact" to minimize damage from any future accidents, state highway officials said.
The Hines Bridge, which connects Amesbury and Newburyport, is used by an estimated 10,000 cars per day.
