Diamondback terrapins cause halt on Route 6 bridge construction

MARION — Construction on the Route 6 bridge has been delayed to protect the nesting habitats of diamondback terrapins on the banks of the Weweantic River. 

According to a statement shared with Marion by state Rep. Mark Silvia, construction will be delayed until October while Mass Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program identifies areas the reptiles are nesting. 

Barriers were placed on the road to keep the terrapins away from passing vehicles, but the state required all areas that can or could be used for nesting by the threatened species must be evaluated and cleared before construction can resume. 

To minimize extending the project timeline, the site will be categorized into suitable nesting areas, areas requiring further review and areas not equitable for nesting. These will be mapped and will dictate where construction can proceed. 

The project’s turtle biologist will also release a memorandum explaining what work can be done during the construction restriction. MassDOT and other stakeholders will then review these findings and decide how to proceed. 

 As of Wednesday morning, work has clearly stopped and a numer of workers in bright yellow T-shirts were surveying the situation at the construction site.  

It remains unclear if any construction can continue until October, and the delay could extend construction for another year.