Progress is being made in developing a plan to allow limited access to Tobin Bridge's Chelsea exit ramps while providing for the safety of the neighborhood, announced the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Meetings with Tobin Bridge, city, town and state transportation and public safety officials to work out a viable travel plan for community and commercial needs have been on going since May 28. At that time, Massport and City of Chelsea Officials agreed to close the Beacon Street exit ramp.

A plan developed by Massport, Mass. Highway, Chelsea's and Boston's Departments of Transportation, State Police and outside engineering consultants was approved and will be implemented within four to five weeks. Until then, the Beacon Street off ramp will remain closed. Details on commercial and passenger vehicles access will be announced then and available to the media, chamber of commerce, produce market operators and air cargo transport companies.

"Right now, signs are being made," said Mary Jane O'Meara, director of the Tobin Bridge. "Signage is expected to be in place by late July and the plan put into effect." The plan will be tested for three months, before being finalized. "Adjustments will be made depending on how the plan works for everyone," said O'Meara.

For further information contact Dorothy Steele, Massport Office of Government and Community Affairs, 617-568-3705 .

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