The Old Providence Road Bridge in Swansea, also known as the Myles Bridge and Bridge MH-11, crosses the Palmer River and is in a low-lying area with known flooding issues. (Photo Courtesy Town of Swansea)
SWANSEA — The Town of Swansea has been selected to receive support from the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to study potential ways to address flooding and restore coastal wetlands by removing barriers to tidal flow.
The state’s Tidal Restoration Preliminary Field Investigations program will provide technical assistance to Swansea as the Town examines conditions around the Old Providence Road Bridge, which crosses the Palmer River and is in a low-lying area that has experienced periodic flooding.
Swansea was one of three communities awarded support for future tidal restoration projects, along with Somerset and Rehoboth.
A Tidal Restoration Preliminary Field Investigation will allow the Town of Swansea to better understand present conditions and evaluate potential long-term solutions. The goal is to improve tidal flow through the Palmer River and surrounding wetlands while reducing flood risks along Old Providence Road.
DER previously identified the Old Providence Road Bridge, also known as Bridge MH-11 or the Myles “Bungtown” Bridge, as a high-priority tidal crossing site.
Reducing flooding along Old Providence Road would help maintain safe and reliable passage, ensuring quick emergency access to the area.
Addressing the existing tidal restriction could also help improve the health of the surrounding salt marsh and support the Palmer River ecosystem.
“We are grateful to the Division of Ecological Restoration for this support, and I want to recognize Conservation Agent Adeline Bellesheim for her hard work and advocacy in bringing this project forward,” said Town Administrator Mitchell Ruscitti. “We look forward to working together to explore solutions to flooding along Old Providence Road and the Palmer River.”
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