The Department of Conservation and Recreation is scheduled to close the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge on May 10 for renovations, and when construction wraps on the project up in August, the color of the footbridge will be restored to the historic gray first used in its 1954 construction.
The $1.4-million restoration job includes concrete repairs, expansion joint replacement, caulking, paint coating removal, new paint and anti-skid waterproof surface installation.
Work is expected to take place during daytime hours of approximately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and nighttime hours of approximately 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
Daytime work will be limited to improvements that don’t require vehicle traffic impacts along Storrow Drive (inbound) under the bridge. Nighttime work is expected to require various lane closures and roadway detours. Notably, Storrow Drive impacts will be limited to hours outside of commuter rush-hour.
The footbridge will be closed for the duration of work and pedestrian detour routes will be clearly marked directing pedestrians and cyclists to the Dartmouth Street Footbridge and the Frances “Fanny” Appleton Pedestrian Bridge to alternatively access the Esplanade.
Prior to construction, DCR is expected to distribute a Recreational and Traffic Advisory to inform the public of the imminent project.