Lowell bridge prioritization plan

The City of Lowell received an $800,000 Project Grant award from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), effective September 11, 2025, with completion targeted for December 30, 2028. The grant funds development of a comprehensive bridge prioritization plan that will evaluate all 33 bridges within Lowell's National Bridge Inventory. The deliverable includes a detailed assessment of existing conditions and future maintenance needs for each bridge, culminating in a prioritized maintenance and rehabilitation strategy to ensure continued structural integrity and safe operation of the bridge network.

The project represents a strategic infrastructure planning initiative aligned with federal highway program objectives to support preservation and improvement of critical transportation infrastructure. By systematically evaluating bridge conditions and establishing maintenance priorities, the City of Lowell will develop an evidence-based framework for allocating resources toward bridge protection, preservation, and rehabilitation activities. This planning effort supports the broader federal commitment to maintaining safe and functional transportation networks at the local government level.

Project description

Evaluate all 33 of lowell's national bridge inventory bridges and create an appropriate maintenance plan to ensure these bridges remain in good repair. The prioritization plan will study the existing condition and future needs of each bridge and prioritize their protection, preservation or rehabilitation