An aerial overview of the Taylor Falls and Veterans Memorial bridges, which are slated to be renovated by the end of the year. Courtesy image/Google Maps

NASHUA – The Budget Review Committee voted unanimously, during its March 25 meeting, to recommend that the Board of Aldermen once again approve the Hudson-Nashua Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

Although the project agreement was passed by the aldermen in June 2023, a series of amendments were needed as the project cost was ultimately $34,100 higher than expected. Therefore, a second approval from the board will be needed.

City Engineer Daniel Hudson said the project will involve rehabilitating the Taylor Falls Bridge and the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The bridges take Rt. 111 across the Merrimack River connecting Nashua and Hudson.

Although the total cost is now $2,534,100, Hudson said federal funds will cover 80 percent of the project.

Since the bridges are owned by both municipalities, Nashua and the town of Hudson will pay the remaining $506,820.

“That local match is split evenly, 50/50,” said Hudson, adding that each municipality will be responsible for $253,410. “(The town of) Hudson will reimburse us as we go through the project.”

The Taylor Falls Bridge was built in 1970 and the Veterans Memorial Bridge was built three years later.

“They have not been rehabilitated since that time,” said Hudson.

To keep traffic moving during construction, he said the focus will be on one bridge at a time.

Hudson said the pavement will be pulled up and the concrete underneath will be restored. It will then be covered by a bridge membrane.

“It’s basically like the roof on your house, it seals everything,” he said.

The project is expected to be completed by December.

During the public information session that was held in Hudson in March 2023, Robert Durfee, vice president of project manager DuBois & King, said the expansion joints and guardrails will also be replaced. However, a full deck replacement will not be necessary.

“The existing deck, even though it’s more than 30 years old, is still in remarkably good shape,” he said.

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