Press Release: 4/14/2026

MassDOT Completes Accelerated Replacement of Town Hill Road Bridge in Middlefield

 

First bridge replacement project completed under FAIR Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4/13/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT

 Phone

Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500

 Online

Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us

MIDDLEFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce the completion of the Town Hill Road bridge replacement project in Middlefield, which marks the first completed project of the recently announced Funding for Accelerated Infrastructure Repair (FAIR) program. 

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration's investments in transportation is improving quality of life across the Commonwealth. With the support of the legislature, the funding they have provided for the Funding for Accelerated Infrastructure Repair program, the Town Hill Road Bridge replacement in Middlefield is now complete. This is how we are making a difference in the lives of our residents by accelerating long-deterred repairs to ensure the safety of our roads and bridges, to connect people, communities and businesses.  The project is a testament to the commitment of this administration working with local towns and partners across government to ensure that the transportation network gives all the ability to more easily and reliably travel, saving time and reducing costs.   I thank our MassDOT workforce who worked diligently to move this effort from planning to completion in a matter of months,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.   

“In just four months since its launch, the FAIR Program is showing immediate results, first in Middlefield, and with several more coming soon,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “Thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s leadership, we’re partnering directly with cities and towns to address deficient bridges that play a key transportation role in their respective communities, by providing technical and financial support that might otherwise pose immense challenges to getting locally-owned bridges back open.”  

Governor Maura Healey launched the FAIR program earlier this year, which is funded through Fair Share revenue and assists municipalities with bridge replacement and repairs. Projects focus on reopening closed bridges, removing postings on restricted bridges, and preserving additional bridges before restrictions or closures are required. MassDOT District offices will coordinate with municipalities on each project.  

The bridge carries Town Hill Road over Factory Brook in Middlefield and was closed to traffic in August 2025, following an inspection and subsequent load rating analysis. With the nearest detour routed over narrow seasonal gravel roads adding approximately 20 minutes of travel time, restoring access was a priority for the community. The replacement bridge, reusing a structure previously utilized in Conway, was designed in-house by MassDOT and constructed by MassDOT Contractor J.H. Maxymillian, Inc. at an estimated cost of $850,000. Construction began on December 8, 2025, and the bridge was successfully reopened to traffic on March 31, 2026, with a total project duration of just 113 days. The new structure will restore a vital connection for the community of Middlefield.