From MassDOT: 

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 for the following impacts 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.

MassDOT will also conduct a “I-90 Dry Run” of the I-90 traffic logistics the weekend of June 3-4, 2017. I-90 eastbound and westbound will be reduced to 2 lanes in each direction between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass from 11 PM on Friday, June 2, to 5 AM on Monday, June 5. There will be no impact to the Green Line, Commuter Rail or local vehicular traffic during this weekend.

Following the dry-run and to prepare for major construction activities, beginning on July 7, I-90 will be reduced to 3 lanes in each direction between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass. I-90 will be restored to full capacity, 4 lanes in each direction, no later than 5 AM on August 28.

Public Meetings:

MassDOT will host three initial public meetings to present details of the project, including the construction schedule of operations and noise/traffic mitigation measures. The same presentation 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

Thursday, April 27, 6:30 PM
Boston University’s Jacob Sleeper Auditorium (CGS 129)
871 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 PM

Framingham Memorial Building (Town Hall)
Blumer Room (Lower Level)
150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA

What can you do?
MassDOT asks for the community’s help to reduce traffic volume in the area as much as possible. We encourage you to:
• Reduce – Try to schedule your vacation during this planned construction period. Avoid the construction area as much as possible.
• Reschedule – Alter work schedules, commuting times, or work from home, if possible.
• Re-mode – Shift to public transportation, walking, or biking. One side of the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and bicycles throughout the project.

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 any questions or comments, please email at CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.

Sincerely,

Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project Team