Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project Public Meeting

6:30 PM Thursday, April 27, 2017

Location:
Boston University's Jacob Sleeper Auditorium (CGS 129), 871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

Contact:
Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us, 857-368-9041

MassDOT will host two initial public meetings in Boston to present details of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, including the construction schedule of operations and noise/traffic mitigation measures. The same information will be presented at each meeting. Additional meetings will be held prior to the beginning of construction. 

Monday, April 24, 6:30 PM, Boston University’s Jacob Sleeper Auditorium (CGS 129), 871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

Thursday, April 27, 6:30 PM, Boston University’s Jacob Sleeper Auditorium (CGS 129), 871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

2017 Construction Schedule:

MassDOT has announced the 2017 construction shutdown window for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project. Between Wednesday, July 26, and Monday, August 14, there will be significant service impacts to all modes of transportation along Commonwealth Avenue in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood of Boston and on I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike). The project will restore a structurally deficient bridge and add dedicated bike lanes and extensive pedestrian safety upgrades. Detailed information and detours are posted on the project website:

  • MBTA Green Line B Branch – Shuttle buses will replace the MBTA’s Green Line B Branch service between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations from 9 PM on July 26 to 5 AM on August 14.
  • Commonwealth Ave. Bridge – will be closed to private vehicular traffic – both east and westbound – between Brighton Avenue/Packard’s Corner and Kenmore Square from 7 PM on July 27 to 5 AM on August 14. Two-way access will be maintained for local businesses and residents, MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 
  • Boston University Bridge – will be closed to private vehicular traffic from 7 PM on July 27 to 5 AM on August 14. Two-way access will be maintained for local businesses and residents, MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
  • MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47 – will be detoured from 7 PM on July 27 to 5 AM on August 14.
  • I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) – will be reduced to 2 lanes in each direction during peak periods from 9 PM on July 28 to 5 AM on August 7.
  • MBTA’s Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line – No service disruptions during weekdays, with service impacts on two weekends: July 29-30 and August 5-6. Shuttle bus service will run between the new Boston Landing Station and Reservoir Station (and to Yawkey Way during Red Sox games).
  • Amtrak Lakeshore Limited Line – No service disruptions during weekdays, with service impacts on two weekends: July 29-30 and August 5-6. Shuttle bus service will run between South Station and Albany, NY.
Access to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and BU Bridge will be maintained for local businesses and residents, MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists throughout the project.

The shutdown is necessary for construction crews to work continuous shifts – 24 hours a day – using Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques to replace the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, which is above a portion of I-90 and the MBTA Commuter Rail. Using this approach, MassDOT will reduce the construction duration from four to five years to two intensive construction windows, with the second occurring in 2018. 

Please share this advisory with anyone you think may be interested in the project, and encourage them to sign up for email alerts for traffic updates and meeting announcements.

For More Information

For any questions or comments, please contact Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, at 857-368-9041 or by email at CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.