Massachusetts

Expect Traffic Delays in Boston's Back Bay This Weekend

The Massachusetts Avenue bridge over Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay will be closed to all traffic this weekend, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Avenue bypass roadways under the bridge will be closed and parking restrictions will be placed along detour routes as crews work on preparations for a full replacement of the bridge scheduled for March.

MassDOT said the Massachusetts Avenue bridge and portions of Commonwealth Avenue bellow will be closed from 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, until 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 11.

The area will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

A temporary parking ban will be placed along detour routes to accommodate additional traffic. City and state teams will be monitoring conditions of the affected areas through the weekend.

Northbound commuters will be redirected from Massachusetts Avenue onto Boylston Street and then onto Hereford Street. From Hereford Street, the detour continues left onto Beacon Street and then right onto Massachusetts Avenue to continue north.

The southbound detour route will redirect traffic right onto Beacon Street, left onto Charlesgate West and then left onto Commonwealth Avenue. From Commonwealth, commuters will bear right at the closed bypass roadway to reach Massachusetts Avenue and continue south.

Bicyclists and pedestrians should use the crossings at Charlesgate East and Hereford Street.

A full detour map for the weekend can be found here.

A complete list of parking restrictions can be viewed here.

According to MassDOT, the two-day closure eliminates the need for three weeks of lane closures on Massachusetts Avenue between now and the full bridge replacement planned for March. Crews will be working to remove asbestos material contained within the existing bridge that was not visible when construction began.

A public meeting is planned for March 21 to discuss a longer closure during which crews will work to fully replace the bridge in May. Currently, the full replacement is planned from Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, May 15.

During this weekend's closure, transportation officials are asking that drivers avoid affected areas and seek alternate routes if possible to minimize delays. Those traveling though affected areas can expect delays and reduced speeds, said officials.

This weekend's project is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

Residents can find more details on the project and sign up for email advisories here.

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