MassDOT Approved $78.7 Million Mystic River Bridge
The board awarded a contract to build a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting Everett and Somerville.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Gambling
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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation board has approved a $78.7 million design-build contract for a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Mystic River. The project will connect the Encore Casino site in Everett to Draw Seven Park in Somerville.
Why it matters
Rising project costs are being driven by market volatility in materials and increased steel prices caused by federal tariffs. The final contract price is 27% higher than the original $62 million estimate, pushing the total project budget to $96 million.
The bridge contract was awarded to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. for $78.7 million, while an additional $17 million is allocated for contingencies, engineering, and flaggers.
The players
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Commonwealths transportation infrastructure.
Barletta Heavy Division, Inc.
A construction firm specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects including bridges, highways, and tunnels.
The details
The bridge is intended to serve as a vital pedestrian and cyclist link, spanning the Mystic River to bridge the gap between two major recreational and commercial hubs. Construction of the bridge is expected to span a period of approximately three years.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The MassDOT board approved the bridge contract.
Three years: The total expected duration for bridge construction.
Culture Shift
Infrastructure development is increasingly shaped by global commodity market shifts rather than local planning alone. This project reflects the broader societal trend of prioritizing non-motorized transport routes, even as inflationary pressures complicate long-term municipal capital planning.
Residents can expect three years of construction activity near the Mystic River corridor as the bridge takes shape. Long-term, the project will provide a direct non-motorized pathway between Everett and Somerville, improving local connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
The takeaway
Public infrastructure projects are currently facing significant cost adjustments due to external economic factors like steel tariffs. Citizens should monitor local transportation board filings for future updates on construction schedules and budget variances.
Further reading
For more on developments surrounding infrastructure projects near the state's gaming hubs, visit Gambling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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