Construction Has Stopped For The 'West End' Bridge In North Adams

Many North Adams residents who travel on the west end of the city have expressed frustration with the half-finished William F. Evans Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Hoosac River near West Package & Variety Stores on State Road.

Trust me, those narrow lanes can be sketchy if you're new to the area. I'm so used to them by now that they don't bother me anymore, and I drive over them every day. But this raises the question: why is the bridge construction taking longer than expected? Let's find out.

The Bridge Is A State-Funded Project, Not The City's

Because the bridge is part of state highway route 2, it is a project run by MassDOT, not the city of North Adams, as many have rumored. Funding comes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Program. The complete replacement of the bridge began in 2023, according to MassDOT’s website. However, construction is currently paused due to groundwater issues.

Get our free mobile app

The Types Of Groundwater Issues Found Under The Bridge

The Berkshire Eagle reports that MassDOT informed them via email that during the removal of sections of the old bridge, workers found discolored soil and groundwater, which had a strong smell. Testing revealed the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds, chemicals that can vaporize from liquids or solids, as explained by the EPA.

The good news is that once the area is dry and no longer contaminated, construction of the bridge will resume later this month, with an estimated total cost of over $15 million. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly ready to have a nice wide bridge again.

20 Massachusetts Places That Will Make You Think You're in Another Country

No passport, no problem—these stunning spots across Massachusetts feel like a trip around the world.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

Here's a List of All the Snakes Native to Massachusetts (Two Can Kill You)

Did you know that there's a species of rattlesnake found in the Bay State? Or that two of our local venomous serpents can be deadly to humans — but despite what your parents told you, the water moccasin isn't one of them? (They don't even live in Massachusetts.) Love them or hate them, these slithery little suckers are everywhere. Here's what snakes you're most likely to find in your backyard.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson