This Summer, Fore River Bridge Goes To One Lane Each Way

WEYMOUTH, MA — Drivers going over the Fore River Bridge this summer should expect more delays as crews from the state's department of transportation prepare to replace the temporary bridge.

Jonathan Gulliver, the acting highway administrator for MassDOT, told reporters Thursday morning that the project has hit a critical stage, requiring some closures as they prepare to install the new bridge.

From June 2-Sept. 1, there will be one lane of traffic in each direction. Drivers are urged to take advantage of the Hingham ferry, the commuter rail, and bus services in the area.

Drivers who have to use the bridge are encouraged to use sites and mobile apps like Google Maps and Waze to check their commute time. The most likely alternative route to Boston will be North Street to Commercial Street to Quincy Avenue to Southern Artery.

From Sept. 1-Oct. 1, there will be three lanes of traffic, with the middle lane operating as a zipper lane. In the morning, there will be two lanes heading to Boston, with the middle lane shifting to southbound traffic for the evening commute.

Construction will take place 20 hours a day, six days a week.

MassDOT officials say the new bridge will have less problems and is quicker to raise than the current one.

Image: File Photo