Beverly's Kernwood Bridge Channel To Close Weekdays For 2 Weeks

BEVERLY, MA — The Danvers River channel that runs under the Kernwood Drawbridge connecting Beverly and Salem will be closed to marine traffic daily for two weeks starting later this month as part of a $2.6 million operation and repair project on the beleaguered bridge.

The state Department of Transportation said the channel will close on weekdays beginning on Feb. 27 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through March 10. The channel will be open to traffic from 5 to 7 a.m. and 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and during normal operating hours on weekends.

MassDOT said the bridge will remain open to roadway traffic — while the Hall-Whitaker bridge remains permanently closed to vehicle traffic while amid plans for replacement — but that there may be short-term roadway lane closures at times during the day.

"Those traveling the area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution," MassDOT said. "Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

"If necessary, police details will be on-site to guide traffic through the area."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)