Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project Cambridge Bound Vehicle Detour begins July 20.

Longfellow Bridge

On July 20, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) began major construction activity on the Longfellow Bridge (State Route 3), which connects Boston and Cambridge over the Charles River. Effective July 20, 2013 through September 2014, one lane of traffic will carry vehicles into Boston (using the current Cambridge-bound lane) and Cambridge-bound traffic will be detoured using a signed route from Charles Circle to Land Boulevard using Leverett Circle and Monsignor O’Brien Highway. This three and a half year project will rehabilitate the iconic “Salt and Pepper” Bridge to improve structural integrity and capacity, meet modern codes (including ADA accessibility), and create a safer configuration for all bridge users.

Subsequent to September 2014, the Boston-bound travel lane will shift its position on the bridge while keeping the Cambridge-bound detour in place. Traffic signal timing changes, lane restriping, and curb modifications at five area intersections will accommodate the traffic management plan. Overhead highway signs on I-93 and I-90 and portable variable message boards on local roads will provide advance notice of traffic pattern changes. Traffic conditions will be monitored at key locations and through the use of traffic cameras installed as part of the project.

The Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project is part of the Patrick Administration’s $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program. For more information on the project and traffic management plans, visit the website at www.mass.gov/massdot/longfellowbridge. For questions or to report issues and concerns related to construction, please call the project hotline at 617-519-9892 or email longfellowbridge@state.ma.us to be added to the project distribution to receive project updates and meeting notices.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.

Link to Cambridge Bound Vehicle Detour Map