[MassHistPres] Blackstone Viaduct

[Mary Bulso]

After encouragement from fellow history huggers I am excited to share
some good news about the historic stone Viaduct in Blackstone,
Massachusetts. DCR, which had planned to demolish the structure as
part of a bike path project, now will preserve and restore it.


The 1872 granite arch Rail Road viaduct in Blackstone, Mass. was added
to the National Register of Historic Places in December of 2001.
Additionally, the structure is on Preservation Massachusetts most
endangered list.

Original plans for the Blackstone River Bikeway included the viaduct
as part of the trail; however, after an initial structural
investigation, the structure was deemed unsafe and slated for
demolition.  Local citizens and members of the Local Historical
Commission, Planning Board, Parks and Recreation, Select Board, and
Town Administration rallied together with Senator Fattman and
Representative Kuros, in an effort to persuade representatives from
the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to perform a
second conditions assessment.

At the January 12, 2016 Selectman meeting in Blackstone, DCR announced
the second assessment showed the viaduct was in satisfactory condition
for use of the bikeway. Plans will proceed to incorporate the viaduct.

This is a great example of boards working together and saving a local icon.


-- 
Mary Bulso Blackstone Historic Commission