Update: Hall-Whitaker Bridge Project

*** BHYC is holding a special members meeting on Saturday, April 18th at 5pm at the clubhouse to discuss the bridge updates, how it impacts the club's future, and to gather member feedback.  Please attend if you can.  


Date: April 2nd, 2026
Location: Bass Haven Yacht Club
Attendees:
  • Rob Antico: Project Manager, MassDOT
  • Frank Welch: Deputy Director of Major Projects
  • Mary Orchuk: MassDOT Right of Way Representative
  • BHYC Board of Governors
1. Project Status: The 25% Design MilestoneThe project has reached the 25% design phase. This is a critical stage where MassDOT evaluates data, conducts value engineering, and optimizes the design before proceeding to final construction plans.
2. Major Design Change: Movable vs. Fixed BridgeThe most significant update is a proposed shift from a movable bridge to a fixed bridge.
  • The Rationale: Following discussions with the U.S. Coast Guard, MassDOT is pursuing a fixed bridge option due to significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
  • Cost Savings: A fixed bridge is estimated to save $35 million in initial construction costs and up to $50 million over the bridge's total lifecycle (including maintenance and operations).
  • Environmental Impact: A fixed bridge requires fewer piers in the water, reducing the footprint on the riverbed.
3. Clearance and Impact on BHYC VesselsTo accommodate as much marine traffic as possible, the proposed fixed bridge will have a significantly higher profile than the current structure.
  • Vertical Clearance: * 18 feet at mean high tide.
    • 28 feet at mean low tide.
    • (For comparison, the existing bridge has only 5 feet of clearance).
  • Vessel Accessibility:
    • MassDOT estimates that of the 133 boats currently at the club, 116 (mostly powerboats) will be able to pass under the fixed bridge.
    • 17 sailboats will be unable to pass due to mast height.
4. Timeline and ConstructionThe shift to a fixed bridge allows for a more streamlined "Design-Build" procurement process.
  • Accelerated Completion: Construction is expected to be completed 9 to 12 months faster than a movable bridge.
  • Target Dates: * The existing bridge is targeted for demolition in September 2027.
    • The permanent bridge completion is currently targeted for 2030.
  • Temporary Bridge: MassDOT remains committed to maintaining the temporary bridge and the existing hauling agreement for BHYC members until the permanent bridge is nearing completion.
5. Member Concerns and Board FeedbackThe Board of Governors raised several critical points regarding the impact on the club’s future:
  • Financial Impact on Sailboat Owners: Members noted that sailboats forced to store and maintain their vessels at other yards face significantly higher costs (estimated at $1,200+ more annually), plus the loss of "self-service" maintenance options available at BHYC.
  • Lost Revenue: The inability to house sailboats represents a permanent loss of future revenue for the club.
  • Future Dredging: The Board expressed concern that an 18-foot fixed height might prevent dredging barges and cranes from entering the basin. MassDOT agreed to investigate the height requirements for local dredging equipment.
  • "Trapdoor" Alternative: A suggestion was made to look into a "Somerset Bridge" style design (a small manual slot for masts). MassDOT agreed to research if this is a feasible hybrid option.
  • Navigation Benefits: MassDOT noted that for the 116 powerboats, a fixed bridge removes the need to wait for bridge openings, allowing for unimpeded access to the harbor.
6. Next Steps
  • MassDOT Management Meeting: A follow-up meeting with higher-level MassDOT leadership is requested for May 18th (the May Board of Governors meeting).
  • Incentives and Mitigation: MassDOT’s "Right of Way" department will continue discussions regarding potential mitigation or incentives for the club due to the navigational impacts.
  • Public Comment: The U.S. Coast Guard will hold a formal 30-day public comment period (likely this summer), and a formal Design Public Hearing will be scheduled for the general community.

Action Items for Membership: The Board encourages members to provide feedback and suggest creative solutions or mitigation ideas that can be presented to MassDOT during the May 18th meeting.

Please email feedback/questions to [email protected]
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