Comm. Ave. Bridge Replacement: Traffic, Green Line Service Resumes

BOSTON, MA – The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is now open to traffic and Green Line B branch service after three weeks of construction. Work to replace the eastbound side of the bridge has been completed, though operations such as additional sidewalk work will continue.

The continued operations will occur throughout the coming weeks and are not expected to impact traffic. There will be temporary pavement markings, delineated bike lanes and detours for pedestrians in place. Future work will result in the following community impacts:

• Temporary and off-peak periodic lane reductions on I-90 during overnight hours in the vicinity of the bridge.
• Short-term, off-peak lane reductions on Commonwealth Avenue in the vicinity of the bridge.
• A minor pedestrian detour near the bridge due to work on sidewalks (eastbound pedestrians will use the westbound sidewalk between Mountfort/Essex Street and Carlton Street). See Pedestrian Detour Map.
• Eastbound bicyclists will use a shared lane approaching Mountfort/Essex Street and a temporary bike lane approaching Carlton Street (no bike detours). See Bicycle Route Map.

The westbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be replaced next summer . The 2018 construction period will last nearly 16 days in July and August, with similar traffic impacts as those over the past three weeks. The finished bridge will include the following:

• Dedicated bike lanes on BU Bridge
• Traffic signal at University Road intersection
• New Green B Line tracks
• Floating bus island for Route 57 bus stop at University Road
• Sidewalk and pedestrian walkway enhancements (improved accessibility)
• Lane adjustments and traffic signal improvements

Image via MassDOT