DUDLEY, Mass. - For three years, a pair of bridges on the town line of Dudley and Webster have been closed due to structural issues, but there may finally be some hope on the horizon for nearby residents.

What You Need To Know

  • Money for a temporary fix on a bridge that's been closed for three years could be coming soon 

  • The bridge, located on the town line of Dudley and Webster, was closed in 2021 after an inspection

  • Rep. Richard Neal has requested $2.5 million for a temporary bridge

  • A permanent new bridge is in the works, but it will likely take a few years to begin construction

In May 2021, a state inspection of the Mill Race Bridge on Brandon Road revealed there was too much stress on an interior beam, forcing its closure along with an adjoining bridge.

Dudley Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda said the impact of the bridge’s closures weren’t immediately apparent, because it happened during the pandemic when fewer people were commuting to work or visiting nearby shops.

Since the closure, Ruda and the Town of Dudley have been attempting to get funding for a temporary bridge, but meeting certain criteria has been a challenge until recently.

There is now hope that federal funding will help - Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA, 1st District) submitted a $2.5 million funding request for a temporary bridge, and his influence on the House Appropriations Committee could prove useful.

“It's my understanding that for fiscal year 2025, U.S. congressmen are allowed 15 projects,” Ruda said. “Congressman Neal picked this project as one of his 15, and given his stature and his placement on different committees, we are very hopeful.”

After other attempts to seek funding came up short however, Ruda is holding off on any celebrations just yet.

“I’ll believe it when I’m standing on the bridge,” Ruda said.

Going on 36 months since a vehicle last crossed the bridges, nearby residents and local business owners have grown frustrated.

Steve Duszlak, owner of nearby Horton Furniture, said business has noticeably slowed since the bridge closed down.

“They've had to actually divert their route around my store,” Duszlak said. “Many times people would use Brandon Road to get between Webster and Dudley, but now they're forced to travel along Main Street, increasing traffic there. My business is not getting the same visibility.”

Looking beyond the possibility of a temporary bridge, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has included a $6.2 million project for a permanent bridge, but Dudley Town Planner William Scanlan said it’s many years away from construction.