Potential Impacts of a MassDOT Bridge
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The proposed MassDOT bridge would be constructed of steel, concrete, and asphalt. The deterioration of these materials is accelerated in a marine environment and has the potential to cause significant expense to the town. There is a high probability that the proposed bridge could experience corrosion, buckling, and potholes. Though some promote the MassDOT bridge to be free, we are concerned that Duxbury is not prepared to fund and manage the complicated long-term maintenance of a highway bridge once MassDOT turns ownership to the town.
Rusted Pilings
BEACH ACCESS
MassDOT estimates our bridge to be closed for a minimum of three to five years to construct the proposed highway bridge. During this time, traffic will be diverted along an 8-mile detour through Marshfield to Gurnet Road, which is frequently under water. Relying on a failing, flood-prone road for an extended period is problematic. The convergence of beachgoers, heavy coastal restoration machinery, and local traffic from a 200-home neighborhood will accelerate road deterioration and create severe gridlock and public safety hazards.
Gurnet Road
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Duxbury oyster farms are a main source of commercial industry for the town. The noise and vibration from MassDOT driving new piles could significantly disturb marine life and our farmers may suffer the consequences. In addition, the specific types of chemical contaminants and material runoff that will leach into the bay from carbon-intensive construction materials and corrosion control treatments remain unknown.
Oyster Farm
TRADITIONS LOST
The distinctive elegance of the Powder Point Bridge is a backdrop for the moments that define our lives. Its graceful silhouette has served as a muse for artists and photographers, a setting for weddings and celebrations, and a cinematic stage for the silver screen. While a highway bridge can move traffic, it can never move the spirit.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Duxbury businesses depend heavily on beach traffic and tourists. Minimizing the time the bridge is closed for repairs is critical to avoid a dip in the local economy and a softening of the housing market.
“There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It is unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better“ — John Ruskin
Five people will decide the fate of our bridge.
Make your voices heard to the Selectboard.
They want to hear from you.
Email them. Call them. Attend Meetings.
Amy MacNab, Chair
Amy.MacNab@duxbury-ma.gov
Fernando Guitart, Vice Chair
Fernando.Guitart@duxbury-ma.gov
Cindy Ladd Fiorini, Clerk
Cynthia.LaddFiorini@duxbury-ma.gov
Mike McGee
Michael.McGee@duxbury-ma.gov
Brian Glennon
Brian.Glennon@duxbury-ma.gov
*General Mailbox
Selectboard@duxbury-ma.gov