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H 5503

An Act designating a certain bridge in the city of Gardner as the Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. Bridge

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jon Zlotnik

Designates a Gardner bike path bridge over Route 140 as the Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. Bridge, with signage to mark the designation.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · H 5503

Summary of H 5503 (Session 194th) – Massachusetts

Purpose and intent

This bill would designate a specific bridge in the city of Gardner as the Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. Bridge. The designation applies to a bike path bridge that crosses state highway Route 140 and connects the existing North Central Pathway bike path network within Gardner. The designation is in honor of former State Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr.

Key provisions

  • Designation: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) project number 609108, which involves the construction of a bike path bridge over Route 140 linking Gardner’s North Central Pathway, shall be officially designated as the Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. Bridge.
  • Signage: MassDOT is directed to erect a suitable marker bearing the bridge’s designation in accordance with the department’s signage standards.
  • Effective date: The designation takes effect upon the bill’s passage.

Who is affected

  • MassDOT: Responsible for implementing the designation, installing signage, and ensuring compliance with standards for the marker. -Public users of the Gardner bike path: The bridge will be known locally and officially as the Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. Bridge, adding a commemorative naming to the structure.
  • The city of Gardner and the North Central Pathway riders: Benefit from formal recognition of a local figure and a clearly identified bike crossing over Route 140.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history indicates a standard process: referral to committees, committee reports, and eventual passage by both chambers.
  • Action history shows: referred to House Rules (May 26, 2026), then to Transportation, with reporting and rules suspension; Senate concurred (June 11, 2026).
  • Final effect: The act becomes law upon passage, after which MassDOT implements the designation and signage.

Notes

  • The bill serves a commemorative purpose, recognizing former Representative Robert L. Rice, Jr. by naming a transportation infrastructure asset in his honor.
  • No changes to funding levels, construction scope, or project timelines are introduced beyond the naming and signage requirement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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