Press Release: Brandon Road Bridge

Demolition work has begun on the Mill Race Bridge.
The bridge that spans the French River on the Dudley and Webster town line has been inaccessible since June 2021 because an adjoining dry bridge on the Dudley side, known as the Mill Race Bridge, was deemed unsafe.
The bridge was closed by MassDOT order when an inspection revealed an interior beam at the midspan was fatigued.
Dudley Highway Superintendent Jeffrey Murray said monies budgeted for routine road repair were used to fund the demolition.
While Dudley officials work toward a permanent fix, they are also seeking funds to erect a temporary bridge.
MassDOT has an inventory of temporary Acrow modular bridges available for loan, but Dudley must come up with $600,000 to $800,000 for its engineering and installation.
If the funding for a temporary bridge is not found, it could be five or more years before the road reopens.
In a January 31 letter, MassDOT deemed the bridge work eligible for funding and approved the estimated cost of $6,235,000. The town is responsible for the costly and time-consuming process of right-of-way acquisitions. MassDOT will handle the design and environmental permitting, the letter said.