Comm Ave Bridge Closed through August 11
Some detours mirror those of last year’s closing, some don’t
The Comm Ave bridge (shown during last summer’s work) will be closed July 26 to August 11 for the reconstruction’s second phase. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi
UPDATE: All lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) reopened on August 5. There will be some Pike lane closures still during overnight, off-peak hours.
The Commonwealth Avenue bridge and the adjacent sections of the road were shut down Thursday, July 26, at 7 pm for replacement of the bridge’s westbound lane. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has set a target date of Saturday, August 11, for reopening the bridge, which carries Comm Ave traffic and MBTA Green Line B trolleys over the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and MBTA commuter rail tracks.
MassDOT also announced traffic detours and accommodations for area residents and employees during the 15-and-a-half-day project. Some measures are similar to those implemented last summer, when the state closed the bridge to replace the eastbound side.
Work-related detours and other changes can be found on the MassDOT website. BU worked with MassDOT to approve its detours and directions for the BU community. These are posted on BU’s website for the project.
Among the approved detours is one for bicyclists headed north and south between Mountfort/Essex Streets and the BU Bridge. Find that detour route here.
MassDOT spokesman Patrick Marvin suggests that people consider scheduling vacations, working from home, “or planning to utilize public transportation or alternative ways to reach their destinations” during the closure.
“We encourage travelers and members of the local community to plan ahead,” says Marvin. “Everyone should learn about the upcoming impacts, look at their schedules, and recognize that their commutes will be different during this time period.”
As it did last year, the state scheduled the project during the season of reduced traffic. The work, which will install 215 prefabricated concrete deck panels and 45 steel beams in the westbound lane of the 50-year-old span, is part of a major improvement of Comm Ave that is scheduled to end in 2019. Crews will also use approximately 680 cubic yards of concrete for the closure pours, which seal in the deck panels, and 520 tons of hot mix asphalt.
Specifically, MassDOT announced the following work-related measures:
Comm Ave will be closed to motor vehicle traffic between Kenmore Square to the east and Packard’s Corner to the west. Only customers of businesses along that stretch, residents, MBTA buses, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists will be allowed through.
The BU Bridge will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic, but pedestrians and bicyclists will be permitted—bicyclists will be required to walk their bikes. A pedestrian walkway between the BU Bridge and Comm Ave will be set up.
The MBTA Green Line B trolley stopped running at 5 am on July 27 and will resume service at 5 am on August 11. Shuttle buses will carry passengers between Babcock and Blandford Streets during that time.
The MBTA’s CT2 and 47 buses will use detoured routes during the closure.
MBTA’s commuter rail line service to Framingham and Worcester will be closed the weekends of July 27 to 29 and August 3 to 5, while maintaining its usual schedule on weekdays. Free shuttle buses will replace commuter rail train service between Framingham and Wellesley Farms on those weekends. After Wellesley Farms, the shuttle buses will continue to Riverside, where riders can connect to the MBTA Green Line D branch. In addition to the local shuttles, express shuttle service will be available between Framingham and Riverside.
Parking permit holders: The College of Fine Arts (Lot E), Upper Bridge (Lot H), Lower Bridge (Lot G), 730/750 Commonwealth Avenue (Lot Q), and 766 Commonwealth Avenue (Lot R) locations will be closed during construction. Those who typically park at the Bridge lots are encouraged to use the Warren Towers garage (Lot K) during this period. Those who typically park at the College of Fine Arts lot are encouraged to use the Agganis Arena garage (Lot A) during this period. And those who typically park in the 730/750 or 766 Commonwealth Avenue lots are encouraged to use either the Warren Towers garage (Lot K) or the Essex Street Garage (Lot F). Permit holders will not have access to University Road.
Last summer’s project replaced the bridge’s eastbound lane, sidewalk, bike lane, and both sides of the MBTA Green Line trolley area. MassDOT says it shortened the project’s duration from what would have been several years by using accelerated construction techniques. The eastbound lane was replaced with prefabricated components that were ferried to the work site, where 200 workers labored around the clock to assemble them. The same techniques will be used this summer.
BU Today will update this story as necessary.
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