Davis Path Footbridge

The Engineering Division, in conjunction with our bridge consultant LiRo Engineering, is undergoing a feasibility study to restore or replace the historic Davis Path Footbridge which creates a pedestrian connection between the neighborhoods to the north and south of the D-branch tracks of the MBTA's Greenline in Brookline Village. This historic structure was originally constructed in the early 1900's and accepted by the Town in 1911. The history of the bridge can be found here.

Engineering Division Project Manager:
Jared Duval, PE
PHASE ONE: EARLY ACTION (August 2019)
Remedial repairs, identified in LiRo's Early Action Report, were made to the stair treads and other areas by the Town's contractor through the Building Department.
PHASE TWO: EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR INSPECTION (November 2019 and February 2020)
Engineers from LiRo Engineering conducted an inspection of the exterior of the bridge (November 2019) and the interior of the abutments (February 2020) in anticipation of drafting the feasibility study. Based on the condition of the concrete and reinforcing steel, which was more deteriorated than anticipated between November 2019 and February 2020, LiRo recommended a petrographic analysis and additional material testing to ascertain the existing condition.
PHASE THREE: BRIDGE CLOSURE AND REMOVAL (Complete - June 2020)

Following the additional material sampling on April 10, 2020, based on the recommendation of LiRo Engineering, the Town closed the bridge to public access due to the observed condition of one of the two main supporting girders. A followup structural analysis calculation determined that the original bridge span over the MBTA tracks must be removed for safety purposes. As a result the Town is working with LiRo Engineering and the MBTA to bring on a contractor to demolish the span only in late May, early June of 2020.

A video of the removal of the footbridge span can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/vwe6tuKiz0Q

Phase 3 Project Updates:

May 13, 2020

May 5, 2020

PHASE FOUR: TEMPORARY BRIDGE (Ongoing)
Since the conclusion of the demolition work in June 2020 the Engineering Division has continued to work closely with LiRo Engineering and the MBTA to devise a plan for implementation of a temporary span. The Town is considering various bridge options to restore this pedestrian link with a temporary structure that could remain in place for several years while the planning and design is developed for a permanent replacement bridge. 

PHASE FIVE: PERMANENT BRIDGE (Ongoing)
As the Engineering Division develops a plan to install a temporary structure, the Town is also early in the planning stages for a permanent replacement bridge. The Town developed preliminary cost estimates for various bridge alternatives and developed an estimated timeline for implementation of a permanent structure, from planning through construction. A funding source for the permanent bridge has not been identified at this time, however the Town is considering various grant opportunities to potentially fund a portion, if not all, of the cost of a permanent bridge. Since grant opportunities are not guaranteed the Engineering Division will request to include the design and construction in the Town's CIP for out years, the exact time frame of which is to be determined.