Mass Pike Reduced to Three Lanes in Each Direction on July 7

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding travelers that due to the upcoming Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) will be reduced from four lanes to three lanes in each direction in Boston between the Allston/Brighton Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass beginning on the evening of Friday, July 7. After July 7 and until August 28, lane reductions will be necessary and MassDOT will strive to make lane shift decisions in the best way possible to lessen the impact on drivers using the highway.

The reduction to three lanes in each direction is necessary in order to allow for logistical setups for the replacement of the Commonwealth Bridge over I-90. MassDOT crews and contractors will use the non-travel lanes areas to safely build a crane and place major equipment in the median of I-90.

“Beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, our crews will reduce I-90 westbound in Boston to three lanes of travel, and then will implement the same lane reduction on I-90 eastbound starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and these configurations will remain in place 24/7 in order to allow for the setup of traffic logistics for the upcoming Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project,” said Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “

Travelers should make informed decisions and consider alternative modes of transportation including public transit during these times, and should check www.massdot.state.ma.us/commavebridge and www.mbta.com for schedule information and specifics on MBTA bus routes, the Green Line B branch, and commuter rail in this area which will also be impacted by construction work later in July and August.”

The full list of upcoming impacts on I-90 in this area as result of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Project is as follows:

  • I-90 westbound reduced to three lanes in each direction in this area at all times starting at 9 p.m., on Friday, July 7.
  • I-90 eastbound reduced to three lanes in each direction in this area at all times starting at 9 p.m., on Saturday, July 8.
  • I-90 reduced to two lanes in each direction in this area during peak periods between Friday, July 28 and Monday, August 7.
  • I-90 increased to three lanes in each direction in this area on Monday, August 7.
  • I-90 returns to four lanes in each direction in this area by Monday, August 28.

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge project will result in significant service impacts to all modes of transportation in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue, for Amtrak, MBTA, and commuter rail customers, BU Bridge vehicles and on I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike).

This project, which would take an estimated four to five years using conventional techniques with significant lane-takings and service disruptions, is scheduled for completion in 2019 under the accelerated plans, with future construction activities and service impacts expected in the summer of 2018. The project will replace the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge superstructure and add functional and safety improvements to Commonwealth Avenue, such as additional dedicated bike lanes and extensive pedestrian pathway improvements.

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