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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) board recently authorized spending up to $1.6 million for a new hydraulic system for the Beverly Draw Bridge on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter-rail line.

Originally built in 1886, the bridge was damaged last December, when a barge struck its swing span. Maintenance crews from the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad — which operates MBTA's commuter-rail service under contract — installed a replacement wedge guide/linkage assembly to restore the bridge to full operation. Now, MBCR will hire a contractor to install a new wedge drive hydraulic system and complete associated upgrades.