Below is the construction look ahead for the North Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project as provided by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for the week of May 3–16, 2020.
Travel Impacts
- Overnight lane reductions: Overnight lane reductions in both directions will continue during weeknights from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. At least one lane across the bridge and all turn movements will be available.
- N. Washington St. Inbound: Off-peak daytime lane reductions across the bridge and additional lane reductions at Keany Square will continue. One lane across the bridge and all turn movements will be available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on weekdays.
- N. Washington St. Outbound: Off-peak daytime lane reductions will continue across the bridge to City Square. One lane across the bridge and all turn movements will be available from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Description of Scheduled Work
- Construction of the temporary pedestrian and vehicle bridge includes installing, bridge assembly, lead abatement, drainage work, and welding of bridge spans, supports, guard rails, and light poles.
Work Hours
- Daytime (6 a.m. – 4 p.m.) on weekdays and overnight (9 p.m. – 5 a.m.)
- From 5/14 – 5/16, crews will work 24 hours a day, to install the temporary bridge fender system in the Charles River. The period of 24-hour work on the fender system is anticipated to run approximately 30 days.
Work That Has Been Completed
- Further construction of the temporary pedestrian and vehicle bridge. Completion of the utility bridge.
Travel Tips
Pedestrians and cyclists: The bridge’s eastern sidewalk is open and available to all pedestrians and cyclists with crossings at both Keany and City Squares. Please be advised that the DCR-controlled Charlestown locks can provide another alternate route but may close without warning. Closures are beyond control of this project. During Tudor Wharf walkway closures, pedestrian access will be provided via the Water Street underpass and guidance signage will be provided.
All users should take care to pay attention to all signage and police details and move carefully through the work zone. Police details, lane markings, temporary barriers, traffic cones, signage, and other tools will be used to control traffic and create safe work zones.
Read more from MassDOT here and follow NorthEndWaterfront.com coverage of the bridge project by searching the tag N. Washington St. Bridge.Contact NorthWashingtonStreet@dot.state.ma.us with any questions or concerns.
It’s good that they are able to take advantage of this “down time” to make continued progress on the bridge replacement. Despite all the uncertainty on how the pandemic will impact future city life, my bet is on the return of vibrancy and, with it, a return of the traffic!
When can we expect to have North Washington Street pot holes filled?