Well, That Was Easy: Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project Test Run

BOSTON, MA — All four lanes of traffic on I-90 east and westbound in Boston are now open. They were supposed to be closed the entire weekend as MassDOT figured out the right logistics to be used this summer when MassDOT replaces westbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

But, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Project on the Mass Pike, that reduced traffic to two lanes in each direction and required varying on and off-ramp closures was successfully completed this morning at approximately 3:30 a.m.

All lane restrictions and ramp closures associated with the dry run have been restored and there are now four lanes of traffic flowing in each direction on I-90 east and westbound in Boston.

MassDOT is set to demolish and replace the westbound side of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge this summer over 15 ½ days. The construction work is slated to begin Thursday, July 26, and last through Saturday, August 11.

If you're thinking, "Wait a minute, didn't we already go through this?" you're mostly correct. For 20 days last summer MassDOT demolished and replaced the eastbound side of the bridge as well as MBTA Green Line infrastructure. This is the other half of the bridge.

Between July 26 and August 11, there will be significant service impacts to all modes of transportation in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue, including MBTA bus, commuter rail and Amtrak customers, vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue and the Boston University Bridge, and traffic on I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike).

Look for detours and transit shuttles at some stops on the MBTA’s Green Line B Branch, MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47, the MBTA Worcester Rail Line, and Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited route.

MassDOT contractor work will be around the clock using something called "Accelerated Bridge Construction technique" in order to reduce overall construction duration, minimize the impact on the traveling public and local community, and improve safety, according to MassDOT.

Photo at top: Taken Friday, June 1, of the setup on I-90 in Boston where travel was reduced to two lanes in each direction for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Project “dry run” of I-90 traffic logistics. Courtesy MassDOT.