REMINDER: Route 3 Bridge Gets Replaced This Weekend

From MassDOT:

Drivers on Route 3 in Braintree should expect delays as crews replace the bridge near the split during the weekends of Sept. 22-25 and Oct. 13-16.

For this $6.3 million project, crews during will use accelerated methods to replace two bridges that carry Route 3 over an Interstate 93 ramp just south of the Braintree split, and will put in place setups that will reduce traffic from three to two lanes in each direction and detour traffic away from these bridges.

“We have designed and planned this project so that the major bridge replacement operations will occur during 55-hour periods on these two weekends, which will help minimize the impacts on high volume travel times,” said Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We advise drivers and members of the public to avoid traveling through this area if at all possible, use technology tools to find the most appropriate route during our construction operations, and make smart and informed decisions before heading out onto the roadways.”

The full hours for the traffic impacts are as follows:

• Replacing the bridge on Route 3 North: 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, through 5 a.m., Monday, Sept. 25.
• Replacing the bridge on Route 3 South: 10 p.m., Friday Oct. 13, through 5 a.m., Monday, Oct. 16.

The lane closures and detours are as follows:

• During the Sept. 22-25 weekend: A lane reduction on Route 3 North in the area of exit 19.
• During the Oct. 13-16 weekend: A lane reduction on Route 3 North and South in the area of exit 19.
• During both weekends: A detour for traffic that is seeking use exit 19 off of I-93 and access the Burgin Parkway. All lanes on I-93 North and South will remain open during these times and the detour route will utilize exit 18 and local roadways.
• During both weekends: A detour for local traffic on Washington Street that is seeking to use the on-ramp to access I-93. All lanes on I-93 North and South will remain open during these times and the detour route will utilize local roadways.

In order to accommodate construction operations, crews will implement “crossovers” so that all traffic is diverted away from these bridges and shifted onto the adjacent side of the roadway and a nearby ramp. Traffic using nearby ramps will also be detoured, and law enforcement details and variable messaging boards will be in place in order to guide drivers during these times.

The full scope of work for this significant construction project has been explained to the public, elected officials and the media on many occasions earlier this year. The project includes replacing the existing structurally deteriorated bridge superstructures and general rehabilitation operations. Preparation and work-related activities have been ongoing since this spring. During these two weekends, crews will put in place simple span welded steel plate girders, composite concrete decks as well as modified beam sets in order to complete these accelerated operations in just two 55-hour periods over two weekends. All work associated with the project is expected to be completed by fall 2018.

Image via MassDOT