Gov. signs law to fix 300 dilapidated bridges

(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/file)

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick this afternoon signed legislation to fix nearly 300 of the most dilapidated bridges throughout Massachusetts, a plan he hopes will bring the state’s infrastructure up to par after years of neglect.

Standing on the Esplanade with the ailing Longfellow Bridge in the background, Patrick was joined by several of the state’s top transportation officials as he signed into law a $3 billion spending plan that was approved last week by House and Senate lawmakers.

“This program will make our bridges safer at a time of critical need, create thousands of jobs, and provide long-term economic benefits,” Patrick said.

There are currently 543 structurally-deficient bridges in the state. If current funding levels were maintained, officials estimate that number would increase to nearly 700 bridges over the next eight years.

Under the current plan, the state will repair 250 to 300 bridges, decreasing the number of structurally-deficient bridges to as few as 400.

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