New Pedestrian Crossing At Closed Beverly Hall-Whitaker Drawbridge

BEVERLY, MA — Pedestrians and cyclists using Bridge Street at the Hall-Whitaker Bridge over the Bass River are now being routed to a new temporary path.

MassDOT said pedestrians and cyclists are being directed to the south sidewalk of the temporary bridge. The change is needed so crews can complete work along Bridge Street at either end of the bridge.

The work is part of the $22 million project for a temporary replacement for the Hall Whitaker Bridge on Bridge Street.

For people driving through the area, MassDOT said delays are expected. The agency advised drivers to reduce speed and use caution while traveling near the bridge work zone.

The bridge has been closed to traffic for four years after it was deemed deficient during a June 2022 inspection.

• When Will Beverly's Temporary Hall-Whitaker Bridge Finally Open?

Construction has been underway to build a temporary Hall-Whitaker Bridge, expected to open in 2027, before a full new bridge can be built.

State Department of Transportation officials and MAS Building & Bridge project management have targeted July 27, 2027 as the opening of the temporary replacement bridge.

The temporary bridge is part of the larger bridge replacement project that will result in two new permanent bridges at the Hall-Whitaker location and the location of the current Kernwood Bridge — which has undergone stabilization efforts to make sure it remains viable while the Hall-Whitaker is closed — by 2032.