BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) – Those near The Commonwealth Bridge over the MassPike may recall last summer when crews were hard at work working up upgrades. Road officials say expect a repeat summer as they come back to finish the job.
Highway crews are already hard at work as Bridge beams and concrete panels are being pre-assembled at a yard in Allston, to help the project move faster after it begins next month.
Starting July 26 surrounding, MBTA Commuter Rail, Amtrak and T service will be severely impacted as MassDOT crews begin replacing the second-half of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge over the MassPike.
“All those different modes are going to be impacted and you can expect for them all to be severe. You should expect that you are going to be delayed there is no easy way to get through this region with this construction.” said Mass DOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
Gulliver says the project will affect traffic on local roads as well. He says it would be a good time to take a vacation. Gulliver says there are big benefits to doing the project this way instead of a long-term project which would have severe impact on surrounding roadways and rail service – the project is shorter.
Once it’s done -- “We’re out of here and everything is at full capacity,” he said.
The $111-million-dollar project is expected to wrap up by August 11th.
WBZ NewsRadio1030 Doug Cope reports.