News

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that the Tobin Bridge Beacon Street off-ramp reopened Wednesday, two weeks ahead of schedule. The off-ramp was closed in August for hand railing, steel grid and attenuator work.

“We are happy to announce that Beacon Street opened ahead of schedule, which is good news for travelers,” said Bridge Director Mary Jane O'Meara. “There is still work needed to keep the bridge in good condition. While the painting project is suspended for the season, the re-decking work will continue through the winter months, therefore we urge motorists to obey posted speed limits, and exercise caution when traveling over the Tobin Bridge.”

Phase 6 of the re-decking project will be ongoing into the summer of 2010. The right lane on the lower level Northbound will remain closed until early 2009. Once work is completed in the right lane, the lane closure will move to the center lane for 8-10 months, and then to the left lane for the same duration. On the upper level re-decking is further along, however alternating long-term lane closures will continue until sometime in spring 2009. Normal work hours will take place weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on weekends if necessary.

In the first week of November, phases 2 & 7 paint work was completed on the “Little Mystic Truss” which is south of the toll plaza. Currently, the painters are removing the containment area. In April of 2009, the project will resume with phases 3 & 8. This work will take place over a 1,800-foot stretch northbound from the “Little Mystic Truss’ through the toll plaza, and across the “Big Mystic Truss.” Work on these two new phases will happen on both the upper and lower decks, and is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2012. Temporary and longer-term lane closures will occur during this time.

All work is weather permitting, therefore schedules and sequences of the work are estimated and not final.

Over the last two fiscal years, Massport has spent roughly $11 million in painting, re-decking and steel repairs on the Tobin Bridge. Over the next four years, more than $50 million is earmarked for these projects.

Next month, new smart technology will be implemented on the Tobin Bridge. The new technology will enhance regular inspections. The real-time information will help to serve as an early detection system enabling engineers to address conditions of interest as they develop, and before they could become potential problems.