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Bill

H 3608

Family Court

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gil Gatch

Designates Hopkinton's Fruit Street Bridge H-23-009 as the Major General Frank D. Merrill memorial bridge and requires MassDOT to erect and maintain markers.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3608

Summary: H.3608 – Major General Frank D. Merrill Memorial Bridge designation

Overview

H.3608 is a Massachusetts bill that would designate a specific bridge in Hopkinton as the Major General Frank D. Merrill memorial bridge. The designation recognizes a locally born World War II leader and honors his service with Merrill’s Marauders. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) would be responsible for erecting and maintaining markers reflecting this designation.

What the bill would do

  • Designate MassDOT Bridge H-23-009, located on Fruit Street in Hopkinton, as the Major General Frank D. Merrill memorial bridge.
  • Require MassDOT to erect and maintain markers on the bridge bearing the designated name, in compliance with the department’s standards.

Who/what is affected

  • MassDOT would be the primary implementer, responsible for signage and ongoing maintenance of the designation.
  • Local residents of Hopkinton and travelers using Fruit Street would encounter the commemorative designation.

Background on the honoree

  • Major General Frank D. Merrill was born in Hopkinton.
  • He led the 5307th Composite Unit, later known as Merrill’s Marauders, which conducted operations in Southeast Asia during World War II.
  • Merrill’s unit participated in five major engagements and 32 skirmishes, earning the Congressional Gold Medal for its members.

Key provisions (textual highlights)

  • Section 1: The bridge on Fruit Street (Bridge number H-23-009) shall be designated and known as the Major General Frank D. Merrill memorial bridge.
  • Section 2: MassDOT shall erect and maintain suitable markers on the bridge reflecting the designation, consistent with department standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Filed: January 15, 2025 (House docket No. 2047).
  • Referred to: House Committee on Transportation (February 27, 2025).
  • Legislative actions show “Senate concurred” on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing scheduled: November 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Committee Room A-2.

Related legislation

  • Related bill: HD 2047 (the same measure, referred to as House Docket No. 2047; effectively the replacement or primary version of this designation).

Potential impact

  • A formal commemorative designation for a landmark bridge in Hopkinton.
  • Minor administrative and signage responsibilities for MassDOT; no specific funding appropriation is stated in the bill.
  • Provides historical and community recognition tied to an individual with local roots and notable military service.

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

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