The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced today that milling and paving of the one mile stretch of the Tobin Bridge lower roadway from the "old tolls" to the 4th Street off ramp in Chelsea is complete. This phase of lower roadway improvements, originally scheduled to last four to six weeks, was completed in less than three weeks and marks the end of the construction season on the northbound lanes. Motorists traveling north will now enjoy a smoother ride along the 2 mile long cantilevered bridge.
On the southbound upper roadway, redecking of the entire length is nearly complete with the two left toll booth lanes remaining. The toll booth redecking was part of a $7 million project that included a multi-phase deck rehabilitation plan that began in February 2005. This phase of redecking encompassed the upper and lower roadways of the "old" and current-toll plaza.
Future construction projects slated for 2006 includes the next phase of Bridge painting along the Little Mystic Truss on both the upper and lower levels. This project, expected to begin in the spring of next year, will necessitate the closure of one travel lane on both levels. During the summer of 2006, the next phase of the lower roadway redecking project will begin, starting at the Little Mystic Truss and extending to the northern end of the Main Truss, approximately one half mile. Construction for both projects is expected to last approximately two years.
Construction and maintenance at the Tobin Memorial Bridge is part of Massport's ongoing effort to maintain one of the region's most historic bridges for the safe and smooth transit of the traveling public.