Press Release: 2019-11-18

North Washington Street Bridge – Construction through Nov. 30

North Washington Street Bridge – Construction through Nov. 30


November 16, 2019/in Construction /by Kevin Weeks

This is an overview of construction operations and impacts for the North Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project through Nov. 30.


Travel Impacts

N. Washington Street Inbound: Off-peak daytime lane reductions will continue across the bridge to Keany Square. One of two lanes and all turn movements will be available from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on weekdays and overnight on 11/2, 11/5, 11/8, 11/9, 11/12, 11/13, and 11/15.

N. Washington Street Inbound: Off-peak daytime lane reductions will continue across the bridge to Keany Square. One of two lanes and all turn movements will be available from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on weekdays and overnight on 11/17, 11/18, 11/19, 11/25, and 11/26.

N. Washington Street Outbound: Off-peak daytime lane reductions will continue across the bridge to City Square. One of two lanes open and all turn movements will be available from 7 a.m.–2 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.

Charles River Dam Pedestrian Walkway Closure: Starting on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, and continuing through Thursday, November 21, 2019, the pedestrian walkway over the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)-controlled Charles River Dam locks will close for necessary maintenance at the DCR facility.

Description of Scheduled Work

Construction of bridge spans and supports for the temporary pedestrian and vehicle bridge and utility bridge including installation of bridge spans and supports, welding, and excavation at the north and south ends of the bridge.

Utility work by Eversource and National Grid includes running cables underground and over the temporary utility bridge.

Work Hours

Daytime (6 a.m.–4 p.m.) on weekdays and Saturdays and overnight (9 p.m.–7 a.m.) on 11/2, 11/3, 11/5, 11/8, 11/9, 11/12, 11/13, and 11/15.

No work will occur on Thursday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Travel Tips

Pedestrians and Cyclists: The bridge’s eastern sidewalk is open and available to all pedestrians and cyclists with crossings at both Keany and City Squares. Please be advised that the DCR-controlled Charlestown locks can provide another alternate route, but may close without warning and beyond control of this project. During Tudor Wharf walkway closures, pedestrian access will be provided via the Water Street underpass and guidance signage will be provided.


All: All users should take care to pay attention to all signage and police details and move carefully through the work zone. Police details, lane markings, temporary barriers, traffic cones, signage, and other tools will be used to control traffic and create safe work zones.


The contractor is coordinating with the TD Garden and local police to provide awareness and manage traffic impacts during events. For your awareness, during this look-ahead period, the following days include events scheduled at the TD Garden:


Bruins: 11/21 at 7 p.m., 11/23 at 7 p.m., 11/29 at 7 p.m.

Celtics: 11/25 at 7:30 p.m., 11/27 at 7:30 p.m.

Concerts and Events: 11/18 at 7:30 p.m., 11/20 at 6 p.m., 11/22 at 7 p.m., 11/24 at 7:30 p.m.

MassDOT is also working on the Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project which requires significant traffic impacts including 24/7 lane closures. For information or to sign up for project-specific construction look-aheads like this one, visit the project website.