Hopkins Street Bridge Traffic Shift Starting Tuesday

A release from the Mass Department of Transportation:

WAKEFIELD – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that beginning Tuesday crews will be implementing a traffic shift on Hopkins Street in Wakefield in the area of the bridge that carries traffic over I-95/Route 128.

As a result of this traffic shift, Hopkins Street will be reduced to one alternating travel lane, with traffic controlled by a temporary traffic signal. Traffic below on I-95/Route 128 will not be impacted while the traffic shift on Hopkins Street is being put into place.

This traffic shift represents phase I of the traffic management plan for the project to replace this bridge structure. Work to implement this traffic shift will take place during the daytime hours of 7 a.m., through 3 p.m., and will include the construction of a temporary sidewalk and the installation of concrete barrier and temporary traffic signals. These operations are expected to last for approximately two weeks.

This bridge replacement project includes the removal of the bridge deck and sidewalks, bridge railing and protective screen, bridge joints and the end posts. Work also includes structural steel repairs, modifications to the existing abutment and center pier, bridge cleaning, painting of beam ends and minor roadway reconstruction of Hopkins Street.

The project is divided into two phases to limit impacts to residents and commuters. Each phase will allow for half of the bridge to be removed and replaced, allowing pedestrians and vehicular traffic to utilize the undisturbed portion of the bridge.

After this traffic shift is implemented, crews will begin night-time demolition of half of the existing bridge deck over I-95/Route 128. Work hours during demolition will be 8 p.m., through 5 a.m., and temporary traffic impacts such as lane closures on I-95/Route 128 will be necessary at times. This work is expected to last approximately four to six weeks.

After demolition is complete, daytime work will continue during daytime hours throughout the winter months as weather allows. This work will consist of forming, and placement of steel reinforcement to prepare for a deck pour in early spring.

For more information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:

· Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.

· Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

· Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.

· Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.