Sherman’s Bridge Project

Project Overview

Sherman’s Bridge is a key link between Sudbury and Wayland, carrying Sherman’s Bridge Road (Wayland side of the bridge) across the Sudbury River near Lincoln Road (Sudbury side of the bridge). Reconstructed in 1992, the bridge sits between the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the river’s floodplain, serving as an important route for residents, emergency responders, and daily travel between the two Towns.

While the bridge remains safe for travel, MassDOT has cited the need for significant structural repairs to keep it open. The agency requires the use of a glulam (or equal) deck system with an asphalt overlay as part of rehabilitation, and recent inspection reports have noted severe and critical repairs are needed—rated as high priority.

Project Purpose

The Towns of Sudbury and Wayland are proposing a rehabilitation project to:

• Replace the current wooden deck with a stronger glulam timber deck and asphalt overlay.
• Install crash-tested bridge railings and approach guardrails.
• Complete targeted substructure repairs to extend the bridge’s life and improve safety.
• Reduce maintenance costs, improve travel safety, and protect the Sudbury River.

MassDOT has also indicated that without these upgrades, the bridge may face closure.

Why This Project is Needed

Inspections and ongoing maintenance have identified the following challenges:

• Maintenance strain: Frequent deck board replacements are not keeping pace with deterioration.
• Safety upgrades: Installation of crash-tested barriers will improve protection for motorists.
• Timber substructure deterioration: The bridge’s timber pile substructure, in place since its construction in 1992, has shown wear from decades of exposure to river conditions and weather. While still safe, inspections have documented deterioration that requires long-term repairs.
• Water quality improvement: Paving the deck will help prevent debris and sediment from entering the Sudbury River.
• Noise and vibration reduction: Replacing the timber deck will reduce excessive vibration and associated noise.

Project Scope

This project is a rehabilitation, not a full bridge replacement. The existing timber substructure and timber stringers will remain in place, with targeted repairs to extend the bridge’s service life and improve safety, function, and durability. Planned improvements include:

• Removing the existing timber deck.
• Installing a new glulam deck topped with asphalt pavement.
• Adding crash-tested glulam bridge railings to enhance safety.
• Completing localized substructure repairs where needed.
• Installing crash-tested steel approach guardrail transitions to protect motorists.
• Performing minor approach work to smoothly tie the new deck into the existing roadway.
• Stormwater mitigation — improvement of water quality runoff.

Funding

MassDOT, through local transportation funds, has offered in-kind support by covering the cost of glulam decking materials and supplying their on-call contractor to replace the deck and railings. This generous assistance significantly lowers project expenses for the Towns. The remaining costs will be shared equally by Sudbury and Wayland.

Project Timeline

Design and permitting expected to continue through 2025. Final plans should be complete in early 2026, with construction targeted to begin in summer or fall 2026 once funding and permits are in place.

Work will take about 3-6 months. The construction timeline will be coordinated with both Towns to reduce impacts to the residents that utilize this bridge crossing. Periodic closures and detours, with traffic updates shared well in advance.

Why 3-6 Months?

• Seasonal Work: Asphalt paving and timber work must be done in warm-weather months.
• Material Lead Times: Glulam deck panels and custom railings take months to fabricate.
• Buffer for Delays: Extra time allows for weather impacts or unforeseen site conditions.

Condition Assessments and Maintenance

Sherman’s Bridge is routinely inspected by MassDOT every two (2) years and, due to its deteriorated condition, also undergoes Special Member Inspections every six (6) months. To keep the bridge safe for travel, crews have continued routine deck board replacements, but these are only temporary measures, and the wear is outpacing repairs. Recent inspections confirm that underlying issues remain. The most recent underwater inspection (July 2025) identified rot in one timber pile and failing steel fasteners securing the timber bracing, components that have been in place since the bridge’s original construction.

Despite these deficiencies, the timber stringers remain in satisfactory condition and can stay in place with localized repairs. This makes the bridge a strong candidate for rehabilitation through a deck replacement with glulam decking and railings, along with substructure work to install a pile jacket, new timber braces, and upgraded steel fasteners.

Community Impacts & Communication

Maintaining safe access for residents, businesses, and emergency responders is a top priority for both Sudbury and Wayland.

Throughout the project, the Towns of Sudbury and Wayland will keep the public informed with:

• Website updates
• Mailed notices and handouts
• Abutter door hangers
• Public meetings prior to construction
• Advance notice of detours and closures

Contact Information

For questions, residents will be directed to their respective Department of Public Works.

Public Outreach Sessions

Visioning Workshop
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
6:30 PM
Fairbank Community Center

FAQ’s

Why does Sherman’s Bridge need repairs?

Sherman’s Bridge, built in 1992, has experienced decades of wear from traffic and exposure to the elements. Routine maintenance, like replacing deck boards each year, is no longer keeping pace with deterioration.

A recent MassDOT inspection report identified critical repairs as a high-priority requirement, making rehabilitation essential to keep the bridge safe and functional.

The planned project will replace the timber deck with a stronger glulam (or equal) deck topped with asphalt, install crash-tested railings, and complete targeted structural repairs. These improvements will extend the bridge’s service life, enhance safety, reduce noise and vibration, and better protect water quality in the Sudbury River.

Who owns and maintains the bridge?

Sherman’s Bridge is jointly owned and maintained by the Towns of Sudbury and Wayland. Planning, design, and community engagement are being carried out collaboratively between the two towns.

What is being done as part of this project?

The project is a rehabilitation, not a full replacement. Planned work includes:

• Replacing the existing timber deck with a laminated wood (glulam) deck topped with asphalt.
• Installing crash-tested glulam bridge railings.
• Making targeted repairs to the timber substructure.
• Installing crash-tested steel approach guardrail transitions to protect motorists.
• Performing minor approach work to connect the new deck to the roadway.
• Stormwater mitigation — improvement of water quality runoff.

When will construction begin?

Design and permitting will continue through 2025, with final plans expected in early 2026. Construction is targeted for summer or fall 2026, pending funding and permits. The work will take an estimated 3-6 months.

How will traffic be affected?

Sherman’s Bridge Road will be fully closed and traffic detoured during the bridge deck rehabilitation work, as no phasing will be possible. Updates will be shared well in advance through websites, mailed notices, and public meetings.

What is the impact on vehicle speed after the repairs?

The project should not have any significant impact on speed. The entire roadway surface will have new pavement, and the bridge work represents only a small section being added to that system. Drivers can expect the bridge surface to blend smoothly with the surrounding roadway once complete.

Why an asphalt wearing surface?

Long-term serviceability of timber decks can be greatly increased by the proper application of a wearing surface. It is highly recommended that treated timber bridge decks receive some sort of wearing surface covering to protect them from the elements. This, combined with waterproofing membrane, will protect the glulam deck, provide a safer and better driver experience over the bridge, and allow for easier and better maintenance of the riding surface.

How is this project being funded?

MassDOT is providing significant in-kind support by supplying the glulam deck materials and using its on-call contractor for deck replacement. Yet to be determined by design, the remaining costs will be split equally between Sudbury and Wayland with the understanding that all repairs required will be made.

Is the bridge currently safe to use?

Yes. The bridge is regularly inspected and remains open to traffic. Only routine deck board replacements have been performed—there have been no added reinforcements beyond the original structure.

Will there be opportunities for residents to provide input?

Yes. At least one public meeting will be held during the design phase to share project details, answer questions, and gather feedback. Notices will be posted on both Towns’ websites and shared through other outreach channels.

Who can I contact with questions?

Refer to Contact Information.