Bridge in Somerville Will Be Closed Until November

Beginning Thursday night, rehabilitation work will begin on the Cross Street Bridge in East Somerville. It will lead to the bridge being closed until November.

The Cross Street Bridge, about a block north of McGrath Highway, won't close to cars until March 21, but work on a temporary pedestrian bridge begins Thursday night, according to an announcement from the city of Somerville.

Work on the temporary pedestrian bridge will begin at 10 p.m. Thursday and continue until about 6 a.m. Friday, the announcement says.

After closing to vehicles on March 21, demolition will begin on March 23 and "will continue 24 hours per day until completed," according to the announcement.

While the bridge is closed, traffic along Cross Street will be diverted away from the construction. 

Cars driving south on Cross Street toward McGrath Highway will take a left onto Tufts Street, a right onto Washington Street and a right onto McGrath Highway, where they can rejoin Cross Street on the other side of the bridge.

Cars wanting to drive north on Cross Street from McGrath Highway will have to think again. They'll be directed along McGrath Highway to Pearl Street, where they will take a right in order to rejoin Cross Street on the north side of the bridge.

The city and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation are holding a public meeting about the upcoming construction and closure on Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at the Capuano School.