The next intensive construction phase for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) upcoming Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project is scheduled to take place between Thursday, July 26, 2018 and Saturday, August 11, 2018. There will be significant service impacts to all modes of transportation in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue, for Amtrak, MBTA, and commuter rail customers, BU Bridge vehicles and on I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike). As a result, Cambridge residents will also potentially be affected – to varying degrees. Pedestrians and bicyclists will have bridge access throughout construction, with some detours.
Here are some of the noteworthy impacts that the Cambridge community should be aware of:
- The Boston University (BU) Bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including MBTA buses, beginning on Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m. through 5 a.m. on Saturday, August 11. Access will be restricted on the BU Bridge to only pedestrians and bicyclists.
- I-90 (Mass Pike) in Boston between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass will be reduced to one or two lanes in both directions from 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27, through 5 a.m. on Monday, August 6. The I-90 East on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed this entire period. The Exit 20 off-ramp from I-90 West (to Brighton/Cambridge/Storrow Drive) will be closed intermittently.
- MBTA bus service will be impacted with expanded detours to the CT2 and 47 routes between Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, August 11 at 5 a.m.
- MassDOT has requested that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) allow vehicular traffic on Memorial Drive in Cambridge on Sunday, July 29, and Sunday, August 5 to minimize impacts on local roadways and allow for reliable travel throughout the area.
- Detour routes through Cambridge are likely to create traffic backups.
- During construction, pedestrians and bicyclists will have access across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the eastbound side and across the BU Bridge at all times. See below for maps and detour information.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit http://camb.ma/MassDOTProj or contact CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.