Work by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to replace the Marion-Wareham bridge on Route 6 has begun, according to Town Planner Gil Hilario.

Hilario said the project is in the preliminary design phase and that construction is slated for the winter of 2020/2021. The bridge is on Route 6 (Wareham Street). It traverses over the Weweantic River to the north connecting Marion and Wareham. The bridge was originally built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1957. The bridge has been rated by the state as "structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, and critical," Hilario said.

Hilario said he spoke with the state's Project Manager Steve Soma on June 4, and that Soma said the bridge is slated for a "full replacement", which means that all components of the bridge will be replaced, including abutments, foundation, substation, etc. He said the estimated cost for the project is $23,010,982.

Hilario updated Selectmen on the project at the board's July 10, meeting.

During the two stages of reconstruction the bridge will remain open with just one travel lane, Hilario said. The bridge on the Wareham side in design is a three-span, but that the possibility of making it a two-span bridge is being investigated. The overall length of the bridge will remain the same, he said.

When the design reaches 25-percent completion then the formal public process will begin and a public hearing will be held. The tentative date for 25-percent design completion is July of 2019, however municipalities can provide public input now.

The status of the project can be followed online at the Massachusetts Dept. of Transport Project Information Page at: www.mass.gov/service-details/massdot-project-info. The project number is 605311.