The twin-tower, cable-stayed Arthur J. DiTommaso Memorial Bridge over the North Nashua River and railroad tracks in Fitchburg, MA, was the second bridge of its type erected in Massachusetts. STV performed design services for this unique structure.
When STV was first contracted for the project, the program called for the rehabilitation of the original 1912 structure, which was a six-span reinforced concrete arch bridge that had been closed following decades of neglect. However, following an extensive field inspection of the original structure, STV’s team recommended the construction of a new bridge and performed a bridge-type study. A cable-stayed structure was selected by the client as the best solution considering conditions at the site such as soil conditions, clearances and roadway grade restrictions, and the presence of the North Nashua River.
The main span of the new 660-foot bridge is 356 feet. The superstructure is supported by 52 cables connected to two, 275-foot-high, reinforced-concrete towers.
STV documented the historic 1912 arch bridge for the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation prior to its demolition.
