Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) was joined by Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña and state and city leaders to highlight $1.2 million in federal funding she secured to upgrade the Joseph W. Casey and Daisy Street Bridges.
“These bridges carry more than 23,500 vehicles every day, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and opportunity, and they were crumbling. It took a community that refused to accept that, led by Lawrence High School students who organized and demanded action,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “With strong partners in Mayor DePeña, city leaders, and our state delegation, we secured $1.2 million to start the urgent repairs Lawrence deserves, and we are fighting for more.”
“These bridges are part of the daily life of Lawrence. They connect our neighborhoods, businesses, students, and families, which is why this funding matters so much. Today reflects what happens when local, state, and federal partners work together with a shared commitment to our community. I want to thank Congresswoman Trahan for her continued partnership, and I want to recognize the students from Lawrence High School whose advocacy helped bring attention to these projects. Your voices mattered. Lawrence keeps moving forward through partnership, community engagement, and investment in our future,” said Mayor DePeña.
The Lawrence Priority Bridge Improvement Project is funding urgent repairs to the Joseph W. Casey Memorial Bridge and Daisy Street Bridge, two critical corridors that carry more than 23,500 vehicles daily and provide essential access for residents, workers, and businesses. In March 2023, Congresswoman Trahan toured the Mario Lucchesi, Daisy, and Casey bridges as part of an infrastructure tour to identify projects that could be eligible for federal infrastructure investments.
Since the tour, Trahan has worked with city leaders and the Lawrence state delegation to secure $3.2 million in federal funding for the three priority bridges, including $2 million last year to advance the repair of the Mario Lucchesi Memorial Bridge. This year, she secured $1.2 million to make significant repairs to the Casey and Daisy Street Bridges.
This project will address major structural deficiencies, including deteriorated bridge decks, failing expansion joints, exposed rusting rebar, sidewalk damage, and concrete deterioration caused by water infiltration and Alkali-Silica Reaction. Funding will also support ADA-compliant sidewalk reconstruction, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved transit accessibility, benefiting the nearly 29% of Lawrence residents who rely on walking or public transportation.
“The Casey and Daisy Street Bridges have connected Lawrence residents for generations, and this investment is an important step toward preserving that connection for years to come. Safe, reliable infrastructure supports everything from public safety and mobility to economic growth and neighborhood vitality. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Mayor Brian DePeña, and everyone who helped advocate for this funding, including the students whose voices helped bring attention to these long-standing community priorities. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and the positive impact it will have on our city,” said State Senator Pavel M. Payano.“Investments like these help strengthen neighborhoods, improve quality of life, and ensure Lawrence residents can safely and reliably move throughout the community.”
“I was proud to join Congresswoman Trahan, Mayor DePeña, community members, and Lawrence High School students to celebrate $1.2 million in federal funding for the Casey and Daisy Street Bridges,” said Second Assistant Majority Leader Frank A. Moran. “I’m grateful for Congresswoman Trahan’s leadership to help secure these funds and appreciate her ongoing partnership to ensure that the residents of the Merrimack Valley are being provided for.”
“Strong infrastructure is critical to the safety and quality of life of Lawrence residents. I am grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for securing this federal investment and thank Mayor DePeña, Leader Frank Moran, community advocates, and the Lawrence High School students who helped bring attention to this important need,” said State Representative Estela Reyes.
“These bridges are part of everyday life in Lawrence, and this funding will help make them safer for the people who use them every day. I want to thank Congresswoman Lori Trahan for helping bring these federal dollars home. I’m also incredibly proud of the Lawrence High School students who spoke up, got involved, and helped draw attention to this issue. Their work shows that young people can make a real difference when they get engaged in their community,” said State Representative Francisco Paulino.
To keep the momentum going, Trahan has also requested another $1.8 million federal investment to move these projects forward without burdening city residents.