Connecticut River Mainline (CRML) Bridge 47.90 in Northfield, MA, is a single-track, single-span masonry stone arch that was originally constructed in 1848 as part of the Boston & Maine Railroad in New England. Privately owned for years, the CRML primarily served as a freight line with minimal passenger service until it was acquired by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Rail & Transit Division. Over the past decade, MassDOT has been engaged in restoring the CRML rail corridor as part of a larger effort to increase passenger service in the region.
For the over 175-year-old bridge to be able to support MassDOT’s freight and passenger services, STV served as engineer-of-record for the bridge’s rehabilitation, providing preliminary design, final design, bridge inspection and construction phase services, including resident engineering. The firm also evaluated short- and long-term alternatives and assisted MassDOT with planning capital funds for the project.
Leveraging accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methodology, the existing timber bridge deck was replaced with a ballasted precast concrete deck panel system, plus a safety walkway and drainage system. The deck replacement was performed over a weekend shutdown, including setting precast panels, closure pours, waterproofing, and restoring the tracks. The project won the 2024 Bronze Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA).
72
hours of accelerated bridge construction
1848
original construction date
