Somerville Halts Construction: Does This Impact GLX?

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and local health officials on Monday ordered the shutdown of all "non-essential" construction work during the statewide closure of non-essential businesses.

All construction projects must cease operations and secure their sites by Friday, March 27. The Director of Inspectional Services and Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management will have discretion over approving extensions on a case by case basis, and work deemed essential, like utility repairs, will be allowed during this time.

"The construction projects happening in Somerville - both public and private - are important to the City’s future, but we must continue to act with public health and safety in mind during the COVID-19 crisis," Mayor Curtatone said in a statement. "We need to do whatever we can to slow the spread of this disease so that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed."

The city said this ban does not apply to the Green Line Extension project, which falls under the state's jurisdiction. The MBTA said Tuesday "significant" projects like the GLX will continue on schedule. Current work includes relocating Lechmere Station and rehabilitating the Lechmere Viaduct.

As a result of low traffic volumes during the coronavirus crisis, the GLX is adjusting its scheduled closures at the School Street bridge. The series of weekend closures planned throughout March and April has now been consolidated into two weeklong closures.

The first closure started Friday, March 20 at midnight and will continue through Sunday, March 29. The second is planned for April 17 through April 26. Setup and material delivery may take place overnight, but construction will happen during the day, according to the MBTA.

The School Street pedestrian bridge between Medford Street and Highland Avenue will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.

The MBTA said the School Street Bridge is expected to reopen permanently in April 2021, two months ahead of schedule, due to the short-term closures.

Detour maps and directions are available at SomervilleMA.gov/GLX in the Bridge Closures & Detours section. For additional information about the Green Line Extension, visit mass.gov/GLX.