State Representatives Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) and Joe McKenna (R-Sutton), along with State Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), announced that the Town of Uxbridge has been selected to receive $1,836,203.20 in state funding for the rehabilitation of the Hecla Street Bridge (Bridge No. U-02-014). 

The funding was awarded through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s FAIR Program and will support both construction and design work for the bridge rehabilitation project. The current Hecla Street bridge is both narrow and aged, leading to concerns from residents about safety. These improvements will undoubtedly improve the daily travel of residents in the area as well as address safety concerns of neighbors. 

“This investment represents an important commitment to Uxbridge and the infrastructure our residents rely on every day,” said Representative Soter. “I am pleased to see significant state resources coming back to our community to support this project, and I look forward to seeing the improvements move forward.” Rep. McKenna added, “Small towns like Uxbridge struggle to independently fund major infrastructure projects, but safe bridges and roads aren’t optional.  Residents deserve to know that the bridges they cross every day are safe, and I’m grateful to  MassDOT for stepping in to close that financial gap. I’m glad to see this much-needed project  move forward.” 

Senator Fattman also shared thoughts on the news, “I’m proud to have advocated for the improvements to Hecla Street and its bridge with my legislative colleagues. These infrastructure  improvements are long needed, will improve access and safety issues, and we are happy to  support the town in this endeavor.” 

Under the award, MassDOT will reimburse the Town of Uxbridge up to $1,710,703.20 for construction costs, including construction engineering and a 10% contingency. The Town will receive an additional $125,500 for design engineering, bringing the total project reimbursement to $1,836,203.20. 

The Town of Uxbridge and its consultant will now advance the project through final design while completing necessary permitting and right-of-way requirements.

Chair of the Uxbridge Select Board, John Wise, shared his thoughts as the Town moves forward: “For years, the closure of the Hecla Street Bridge has been a source of frustration for our residents. This funding is a major step toward restoring an important connection in our community and reflects years of persistence and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to  Representatives Soter and McKenna, Senator Fattman, the Healey-Driscoll Administration,  MassDOT, Town Manager Steve Sette, DPW Director Benn Sherman, and all town staff who helped move this project forward. We also thank our residents for their patience throughout this  long process.” Town Manager Steve Sette commented, “The residents of the Town of Uxbridge  have been frustrated for quite some time with the condition of the Hecla Street Bridge, and with the  announcement of the funding for this project, a blight on the Town will be fixed.” 

Representatives Soter and McKenna and Senator Fattman thanked MassDOT, the Town of Uxbridge, and the Uxbridge Department of Public Works for their work in advancing the project.