Comm. Ave. To Partially Close This Summer

Goodbye, Commonwealth Ave. For a few weeks this summer, at least.

MassDOT is closing Comm. Ave. from Kenmore Square to Packard's Corner to most vehicles while the Comm. Ave. bridge gets a much-needed update. The project begins July 26 and will last 17.5 days, MassDOT says.

Some traffic will still be allowed through until Aug. 14.

The closure will target “private vehicles” and will be in both directions until Aug. 14, MassDOT said. This will allow for access "for local businesses and customers, residents, MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists," MassDOT said. Subscribe to Boston Patch for more locals news about the Hub.

Also impacted will be:

• BU bridge, which will be shut down at times;
• Green Line's B trolley, which will be replaced with buses;
• Mass Pike, which will see lane closures under the bridge;
• MBTA Worcester commuter rail and Amtrak service, which will be canceled for two weekends.

MassDOT is trying something different here. The eastbound lanes are going to be worked on this summer and the westbound lanes next summer in an effort to minimize traffic problems and shorten the overall length of construction time. MassDOT calls it "Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques," meaning highway crews will be working 24 hours a day and use faster-acting materials.

Check out MassDOT for more information on the traffic management and project background. There is also additional information below.

As far as the Comm. Ave. bridge goes, the concrete deck and steel beams on the span will be replaced after more than 50 years. There will also be safety improvements, including a revised bike lane.

MassDOT photo