What's New

The Rourke Bridge Corridor Study and Feasibility Analysis Final Report is now available!

To download the report or other project documents go to the Documents page.

The Rourke Bridge was constructed almost 30 years ago as a temporary bridge over the Merrimack River. It connects Lowell and Chelmsford on the south side of the river to Dracut and Tyngsborough on the north side of the river. In the 1970s and 1980s, several studies looked at alternatives for a permanent river crossing. With funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) is moving forward with a new corridor study to identify river crossing and roadway improvement alternatives. We are looking forward to your input on this regional study.

A rigorous public involvement program includes a Technical Working Group, Study Advisory Committee and public meetings, a project website and printed materials. NMCOG wants to involve all stakeholders and has designed a program that invites environmental justice neighborhoods, limited English proficiency populations, and anyone directly affected by this project to access information and participate in the planning process. Learn more about the project goals, keep updated on the most recent news and explore community resources.

Click for larger view of project study area.