Comm Ave Bridge Replacement 2018: What It Means For Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, MA — It's getting closer. The Comm Ave Bridge replacement project has been underway for the past year and some change, and now, the second intense phase where they close down the bridge and reroute traffic is upon us, beginning Thursday, July 26 and last until August. 11.

So how will it impact Cambridge? There's a meeting July 18 to explain it all at Morse School, but the short version:

There will be significant service impacts to all modes of transportation in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood of Boston along Commonwealth Avenue, for Amtrak, MBTA, and commuter rail customers, BU Bridge vehicles and on I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike). As a result, Cambridge residents will also potentially be affected – to varying degrees.

Here are some of the noteworthy impacts that the Cambridge community should be aware of:

• The BU Bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic, including MBTA buses, beginning on Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m. through 5 a.m. on Saturday, August 11. Access will be restricted on the BU Bridge to only pedestrians and bicyclists.
• I-90 (Mass Pike) in Boston between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass will be reduced to one or two lanes in both directions from 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27, through 5 a.m. on Monday, August 6. The I-90 East on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed this entire period. The Exit 20 off-ramp from I-90 West (to Brighton/Cambridge/Storrow Drive) will be closed intermittently.
• MBTA bus service will detours to the CT2 and 47 routes between Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m. through Saturday, August 11 at 5 a.m.
• Mem Drive: MassDOT has requested that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) allow traffic on Memorial Drive in Cambridge on Sunday, July 29, and Sunday, August 5 to minimize impacts on local roadways and allow for reliable travel throughout the area.
• Detour routes through Cambridge are likely to create traffic backups.

In advance of this construction, MassDOT is hosting a public meeting for Cambridge residents in Cambridge:

Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
Morse School, Auditorium
40 Granite Street, Cambridge, MA

Read Patch's guide to all you need to know about the Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project: And How It Could Impact Your Commute

Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Part 2: When, What, Where

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Previously: Mass Ave Bridge Over Comm Ave Closed For Repair

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).

Photo courtesy Maz