Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced that the City's Public Works Department is seeking firms to provide construction oversight and contract assistance services for the bridge superstructure replacement project. Applications are due on October 20th, with the City set to review and select a team before the end of the year.
As Mayor Wu stated, "Families around the city and region deserve access to a comprehensive network of care as so many experience substance use and mental health challenges."
As reported on Boston.gov, the City aims to have an Outside Project Manager (OPM) in place when they secure the final bridge replacement approvals, so construction work can begin immediately to restore access to the Long Island public health campus.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, expressed gratitude toward Mayor Wu for prioritizing the needs of their communities and advancing the project, emphasizing the innovative work that once took place on the Long Island campus. The completed project will serve as a hub for further innovation and provide a stable environment for long-term recovery for generations of people.
Deputy Chief of Infrastructure & Design for the City's Streets Cabinet, Julia Campbell, said, "The reconstruction of the Long Island Bridge is a top priority for the City of Boston." She added that they expect thoughtful and innovative responses from firms looking to lead the signature construction project, which provides a rare opportunity to build a single structure offering direct access to care that will improve countless lives.
Stephanie Sullivan, CEO of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), shared her excitement for this next step in Mayor Wu's plan to rebuild the bridge and restore critical health services on Long Island. She stated that these services would be transformational for individuals suffering from substance use disorders and other health issues. The BHCHP is committed to advocating for those affected by the opioid crisis or homelessness and providing the necessary health care spaces for these vulnerable individuals.
Earlier this month, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston had secured its Chapter 91 License from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to reconstruct the Long Island Bridge. With this long-awaited license and $81 million available in the FY24 capital budget for the bridge, the City can accelerate progress on construction while setting a goal that, in four years, the bridge would be rebuilt, and a first phase of the campus will be ready to reopen for programming, as stated on Boston.gov.
