Construction is beginning on the drawbridge at the entrance to Lagoon Pond, straddling the border between Oak Bluffs and Tisbury. I’d like to bring everyone up to date on the status of the overall project and note some of the issues that the Vineyard community will have to deal with in the coming months.
As you probably recall, MassHighway’s approach is to first build a temporary bridge alongside the existing bridge, in order to reroute traffic. Then, a permanent drawbridge will be built in the alignment of the existing bridge.
Work began this week on the Lagoon Pond drawbridge — a project estimated to cost a total of $31.5 million and reach completion in 2013.
State highway officials plan to first build a temporary bridge for $9 million on the pond side of the current drawbridge, then demolish the existing bridge and build a permanent replacement in its place.
The drawbridge, which was built in 1935 and has been in poor condition for years, is a key link in the Vineyard road system. The bridge also provides crucial access to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs.
Lagoon Drawbridge Replacement Work Begins Early 2007
By MAX HART
The first phase of the Lagoon Pond drawbridge replacement project - the construction of a temporary bridge on the pond side of the span - is now slated to begin in the new year rather than this fall as planned.
Delores Stevens Enlivens Music of Modern Era
By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer
In 1971, on the occasion of Tisbury\'s tercentenary, the Montagnana Trio of Caroline Worthington (cello), John Gates (clarinet) and Delores Stevens (piano) was invited to Martha\'s Vineyard to participate in the celebration.
The trio, consisting of musicians who had built an international reputation, accepted the offer.
Safety Concerns Prompt State Proposal to Ban Truck Traffic Over Drawbridge
By JAMES KINSELLA
Gazette Senior Writer
In an ongoing effort to ease the pounding on the troubled Lagoon Pond drawbridge, heavy trucks may be routed through the blinker intersection in Oak Bluffs or even through West Tisbury this summer.
MassHighway plans to ask selectmen in Tisbury and Oak Bluffs to help designate a truck route to divert such trucks away from the drawbridge, according to Fred LaPiana, the Tisbury director of public works.
Highway Officials to Close Drawbridge
Four-Day Shutdown Begins Tuesday to Repair, Replace Concrete Decking; Alert Goes Out to Island Motorists
By MAX HART
Against the backdrop of a visit last week from the Massachusetts Highway Commissioner and pledges of greater cooperation with the Island community, state highway officials announced abruptly this week that the Lagoon Pond drawbridge will be closed to traffic for four days while repairs are made to the aging structure.