Boston

Delays Expected in Boston With Next Phase of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Construction

Commuters can expect big delays this summer when construction resumes on the Commonwealth Avenue bridge in Boston.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Monday they will replace the westbound portion of the bridge between July 26 and Aug. 11. As a result, road closures and delays are planned for the area.

"Whether you're riding a bike, walking, driving a car, taking the T, what have you, your travel will be impacted," said Jonathan Gulliver, highway administrator at MassDOT.

The work is an extension of a $110 million project to replace the bridge. Both the Commonwealth Avenue bridge and the nearby Boston University Bridge will be closed to drivers for the 15.5 day period. Traffic on I-90 will be reduced to two lanes during peak hours.

"If you don't have to be here, you should be someplace else," Gulliver said. "Right now is a good time to plan."

During construction last year, many local residents felt the public followed the advice of state officials, which limited major traffic issues.

"We did work from home for a few days a week, so it wasn't as crazy,'" said Gretchen Hartigan, who works in the area.

MassDOT advises anyone using impacted bus routes to allot extra time for travel. Following last year's experience, they expect most to heed their warnings to reduce delays.

"I'm nervous people won't do it this year and it's going to be a disaster," said Hartigan. "But it will be manageable."

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