(Photos by Ben Parker/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- It's the first day of phase two of the Commonwealth Avenue bridge replacement project, which will last until August 11. With the Comm Ave and BU Bridges both closed over the next few weeks, commuters have to make a few adjustments to their schedules.
The Comm Ave bridge is closed on the Westbound side so that the deck can be removed and a new one put in. The Eastbound side is open, but only to shuttle buses, pedestrians, and bikes.
Web Extra: Listen to Jonathan Guilliver of MassDOT Talk about The Comm Ave Bridge Project
One driver, Ahmad, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker he had to drive through the area this morning, and didn't have much of a problem--but he said he's worried about the end-of-day commute.
"Friday afternoon traffic is as bad as it is, but this afternoon, with construction going on and everything, it might be a little more rough," he said. "You gotta do what you gotta do, there's construction that has to go on, and I'm sure they're planning it as best they can."
If you're used to riding the Green Line's B Line, you'll have to take shuttle buses. One woman who had to take a shuttle bus to work this morning said she was not happy about it.
"It's always going to make you take longer to get anywhere you need to go," she said. "Wherever you need to go, it's going to take a little bit longer."
Despite all the commotion of construction, some businesses put up signs reminding customers they were open.
"If everybody who normally travels the Turnpike and think they can come in and not be disrupted they will be very mistaken," he said. "you could be sitting in traffic for quite a long time," said MassDOT Administrator Jonathan Guilliver
He expect for things to get a bit chaotic on Monday morning urging people to give themselves some extra time if they are coming into the city.
"We realize that the city does not stop for any type of project like this and there's still are going to be a lot of events going on over the next few weeks... although this is a light time of year. We realize people still need to get into the city we remind you again to get on our website to make sure plan your trip in advance and give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go," he said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker (@radiobenparker) reports