Medford Seeks To Mitigate Effects Of Broadway Bridge Closure

MEDFORD, MA – Officials are seeking to mitigate the impact of the Broadway bridge closure on Medford residents. The bridge at Ball Square is expected to close for one year beginning this fall; it is the first of seven proposed closures during the Green Line Extension project.

Residents' primary concern is the detoured traffic onto Harvard Street and its potential impact on abutting streets and businesses, according to Medford officials. Another concern is the pedestrian and bicycle detour.

The city of Medford has made the following requests to limit the closure's impact on its residents:

• An array of “Seek Alternate Route” signage at key locations within 1-2 miles (on-going)
• “Local Traffic Only” signs for all local streets within and adjacent to the detoured route (on-going)
• Police Details at numerous locations along the detour route; some for 24 hours, other for less (on­ going)
• Investigate the feasibility of alternative pedestrian/bicycle detours including providing details of cost, schedule, and other important factors that indicate how the project came to their conclusion(s)
  • Pedestrian Bridge at Broadway (utilizing utility bridge or not)
  • Pedestrian connection through private property, between Cedar Street & Boston Avenue
  • At-grade pedestrian crossing at Granville Avenue
  • A private or MBTA shuttle bus
• The MBTA develop temporary bus detours that minimize disruptions to Medford transit users while being cognizant of negative impacts to streets that don’t currently accommodate buses
• In addition, the City has required the project to submit a traffic management plan(s) for approval by the City traffic engineer for any work within the City of Medford ROW.

"The City of Medford is committed to ensuring that our residents and business owners are informed, and the effects of the closure are the least invasive as possible," according to a press release from city officials. "While the City has been, and will continue to advocate for its residents, it is important to remember the benefits the City of Medford will receive at the completion of this project."

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