Work Zone Established on Lowell Pawtucket Boulevard

Contractors are setting up a center median work zone as part of the ongoing $303 million Rourke Bridge project.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of concrete traffic barriers and a distant bridge pier, depicting regional infrastructure construction work. — Contractors have established a new work zone on Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell, marking a significant phase in the $303 million Rourke Bridge replacement project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel local bridge construction projects successfully improve traffic flow in your area?

Crews have begun establishing a new work zone in the center median of Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell. This development marks a new phase in the $303 million effort to replace the aging Rourke Bridge.

Why it matters

Replacing the current two-lane bridge is essential to accommodate the 27,000 vehicles that use the crossing daily. The new structure is engineered to provide a 75-year service life for the region.

The $303 million Rourke Bridge project will replace a 1,250-foot, two-lane temporary span that serves 27,000 vehicles per day. The new design will feature four lanes with shoulders and a 75-year service life.

The players

Skanska USA

This is a construction and development company that manages large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States.

Jacobs Engineering

This is a professional services firm that provides technical, engineering, and construction support for major infrastructure initiatives.

The details

Workers are currently focused on median removal and zone setup, while nightly lane restriping efforts support the broader bridge construction. Five of the six required bridge cofferdams are already completed or under construction following the start of permanent pier work in October 2026.

1983: Original construction of the existing temporary bridge span.
May 2025: Contract awarded to Skanska USA and Jacobs Engineering.
October 2026: Construction of permanent bridge piers began.
October 20-21, 2026: Nightly lane restriping on Pawtucket Boulevard.
Through end of 2026: Median work zone scheduled to be in place.

Philanthropy
Oct. 14
Lowell School Secured $35.5 Million Bond Funding
City Hall
Sept. 23
Lowell City Council Halted License Plate Camera Use
Civic
Oct. 10
Lowell Joined UNESCO Learning Cities Network

Market Landscape

The Rourke Bridge replacement updates regional infrastructure originally built in the 1980s to meet current traffic demands. This project positions Lowell to modernize its transit connectivity against evolving regional growth patterns.

Commuters should anticipate ongoing traffic adjustments on Pawtucket Boulevard as workers maintain the median zone through the end of 2026. These updates are necessary to prepare for the transition to a modern four-lane bridge.

The takeaway

Drivers should prepare for potential delays while work zones are active throughout the coming months. Staying alert to posted signage and restriping will be vital for navigating the Pawtucket Boulevard area during this construction phase.