News

Tobin Bridge Re-Decking on Lower Level July 28
Alternating Long-Term Traffic Lane Closures Will Be In Effect

July 15, 2008

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that re-decking on the Tobin Memorial Bridge northbound is set to begin Monday, July 28. The first of three long-term lane closures will be in effect on the lower deck. The first closure will shut down the entire right hand lane until just before the Beacon Street off-ramp in Chelsea.  In early August through the end of October, the Beacon Street off-ramp will close, and traffic will be detoured onto Fourth Street. Normal work hours will take place weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on weekends if necessary. The project is expected to last roughly 30 months.

Beginning Monday night July 28 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. motorists will begin to see an extension to the existing Jersey Barriers from just after the CANA Tunnel to just before Beacon Street. The barriers will reduce traffic flow on the lower level from three lanes to two lanes.

Also on July 28, there will be a permanent change in the direction of traffic on Chestnut Street (between Fourth Street and the Third Street intersection) in Chelsea. This new direction will flow one-way southbound. The change was requested by the City of Chelsea to ease traffic at the intersection of Fourth and Chestnut Streets. 

“These projects are an important part of Massport’s continued reinvestment in the Tobin Bridge on behalf of the traveling public whose safety and security are top priority,” said Bridge Director Mary Jane O'Meara.  “The lane closures are necessary to ensure the safety of motorists as well as the workers engaged in these important projects.” 

The Deck Rehabilitation consists of seven phases, five of which are complete. The current Phase 6 will occur over the next two and a half years. This periodic deck maintenance is necessary to help lessen water damage to the Bridge’s steel and concrete components. 

All preparation and re-decking work schedules are weather permitting.

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