Weymouth Bridge Replacement Contract Approved

WEYMOUTH, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation voted Monday to approve a $57 million contract for work on a section of Route 18 in Weymouth and Abington. Work is expected to begin this fall and be completed by spring of 2022.

Once complete, the Route 18 roadway will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction, four existing intersections will be reconstructed and the bridge carrying Route 18 over the MBTA Commuter Rail will be replaced. Work also includes implementing bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Route 18, as well as adding improved traffic signals.

"We have appreciated the feedback from the public and civic leaders in designing and planning the project to rebuild this important roadway," Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a statement. "We know this location has a high traffic volume and are pleased to collaborate with the local communities to add features for walkers and cyclists as we widen the road, replace a bridge and make other infrastructure improvements."

One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction over the course of the project, with the exception of three off-peak weekend periods to accelerate construction of the Route 18 bridge. During these three weekend construction periods, traffic on Route 18 will be detoured onto Pond Street and buses will replace trains on the Kingston/Plymouth Commuter Rail line.

MassDOT is also incorporating an incentivized contract into the project to ensure timely completion of work milestones. These measures are intended to help minimize the impact on travelers and the surrounding communities during construction.

Image via MassDOT