The Rte. 6 bridge connecting Marion and Wareham is set to be reconstructed, thanks to a combination of funding from the state and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

The project, estimated to cost $39,323,002, is one of 146 bridge repairs and replacements included across the state.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver billions in funding to the Commonwealth, helping to build on the investments our Administration has made over the past 7 years to improve our roads and bridges, and make our public transportation system more reliable and resilient,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

According to a MassDOT project summary, the bridge was built in 1929 and widened in 1957. The structure, which spans the Weweantic River, is “structure is structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, and critical,” according to the department.

Construction is set to start in fall 2023. During construction, the department plans to maintain one travel lane in each direction. One sidewalk will be maintained if possible.

The proposal to replace the bridge isn’t new, though. The state’s plan to replace the bridge was discussed at a 2018 Board of Selectmen’s meeting in Marion by Marion Town Planner Gil Hilario. At that time, construction was planned to start in winter 2021 — which didn’t happen. 

Although plans may have changed, Hilario said at the time that the bridge was set for a full replacement, which means that all components of the bridge will be replaced, including abutments and the foundation. 

According to the state, the first phase of the design for the bridge replacement was submitted in January 2022.