Lagoon Pond Bridge

2007

November 8, 2007

Expensive Drawbridge Project Begins

Melinda Loberg
Lagoon Pond Bridge

Construction is beginning on the drawbridge at the entrance to Lagoon Pond, straddling the border between Oak Bluffs and Tisbury. I’d like to bring everyone up to date on the status of the overall project and note some of the issues that the Vineyard community will have to deal with in the coming months.

As you probably recall, MassHighway’s approach is to first build a temporary bridge alongside the existing bridge, in order to reroute traffic. Then, a permanent drawbridge will be built in the alignment of the existing bridge.

November 1, 2007
Lagoon Pond Drawbridge

Speed Limit Lowered Around Drawbridge As Work Begins on Temporary Bypass

Lagoon Pond Bridge

Work began this week on the Lagoon Pond drawbridge — a project estimated to cost a total of $31.5 million and reach completion in 2013.

State highway officials plan to first build a temporary bridge for $9 million on the pond side of the current drawbridge, then demolish the existing bridge and build a permanent replacement in its place.

The drawbridge, which was built in 1935 and has been in poor condition for years, is a key link in the Vineyard road system. The bridge also provides crucial access to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs.

2006

August 31, 2006

Lagoon Drawbridge Replacement Work Begins Early 2007

MAX HART
Lagoon Pond Bridge

Lagoon Drawbridge Replacement Work Begins Early 2007

By MAX HART

The first phase of the Lagoon Pond drawbridge replacement project
- the construction of a temporary bridge on the pond side of the
span - is now slated to begin in the new year rather than this
fall as planned.

July 6, 2006

Drawbridge Closures Set for Next Week

MAX HART
Lagoon Pond Bridge

Delores Stevens Enlivens Music of Modern Era

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In 1971, on the occasion of Tisbury\'s tercentenary, the
Montagnana Trio of Caroline Worthington (cello), John Gates (clarinet)
and Delores Stevens (piano) was invited to Martha\'s Vineyard to
participate in the celebration.

The trio, consisting of musicians who had built an international
reputation, accepted the offer.

June 19, 2006

Safety Concerns Prompt State Proposal to Ban Truck Traffic Over Drawbridge

James Kinsella
Lagoon Pond Bridge

Safety Concerns Prompt State Proposal to Ban Truck Traffic Over
Drawbridge

By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer

In an ongoing effort to ease the pounding on the troubled Lagoon
Pond drawbridge, heavy trucks may be routed through the blinker
intersection in Oak Bluffs or even through West Tisbury this summer.

MassHighway plans to ask selectmen in Tisbury and Oak Bluffs to help
designate a truck route to divert such trucks away from the drawbridge,
according to Fred LaPiana, the Tisbury director of public works.

January 26, 2006

Highway Officials to Close Drawbridge

MAX HART
Lagoon Pond Bridge

Highway Officials to Close Drawbridge

Four-Day Shutdown Begins Tuesday to Repair, Replace Concrete
Decking; Alert Goes Out to Island Motorists

By MAX HART

Against the backdrop of a visit last week from the Massachusetts
Highway Commissioner and pledges of greater cooperation with the Island
community, state highway officials announced abruptly this week that the
Lagoon Pond drawbridge will be closed to traffic for four days while
repairs are made to the aging structure.

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