Overview
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) will fully replace two bridges in the Town of Chelmsford. These include Westford Street over I-495 in Chelmsford and Route 3A (Gorham Street) over I-495 on the Chelmsford/Lowell line. The new bridges will improve the overall clearance and geometry of the bridge crossings. Roadway reconstruction work will improve vehicle safety and provide improvements for pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Work will occur simultaneously on both bridges and is anticipated to take place from April 2025 to August 2028. This work will improve the safety and travel experience in these key locations and the surrounding areas.
What to expect
Each bridge will be replaced in two phases.
Phase I will begin following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year in late June 2025. During Phase I, each bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for 12 – 18 months. Pedestrian access will be maintained across each bridge during these closures. During the Phase I closures, bicycle access will be maintained on the Westford Street Bridge and detoured on the Gorham Street Bridge. A local detour route will be implemented at each bridge (see maps of detour routes below). When Phase I is completed, the bridges will reopen to all traffic.
Phase II construction at each bridge will necessitate isolated traffic interruptions which will be scheduled during off-peak time periods.
Existing Condition of the Westford Street Bridge:
The existing conditions of the Westford Street Bridge.
Phase I Demolition of the Westford Street Bridge:
During Phase I Demolition, the Westford Street Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic but will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Phase I Construction of the Westford Street Bridge:
Phase I Construction of the Westford Street Bridge will include both new travel lanes, a new sidewalk, and place new infrastructure for utilities that cross the bridge.
Phase 2 Demolition of the Westford Street Bridge
During Phase 2 Demolition, the newly constructed Westford Street Bridge will be reopened to vehicles, and the remaining portion of the existing bridge will be demolished.
Phase 2 Construction of the Westford Street Bridge
Phase 2 Construction will include the remaining roadway width and a new sidewalk.
Final Configuration of the Westford Street Bridge.
The final configuration of the Westford Street Bridge.
Existing Condition of the Gorham Street Bridge
The existing conditions of the Gorham Street Bridge.
Phase 1 Demolition of the Gorham Street Bridge
During Phase 1 Demolition, the Gorham Street Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic, but will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Phase 1 Construction of the Gorham Street Bridge
Phase 1 Construction of the Gorham Street Bridge will include both new travel lanes, a new sidewalk, and place new infrastructure for utilities that cross the bridge.
Phase 2 Demolition of the Gorham Street Bridge
During Phase 2 Demolition, the Gorham Street Bridge will be reopened to vehicles, and the remaining portion of the existing bridge will be demolished.
Phase 2 Construction of the Gorham Street Bridge
Phase 2 Construction of the Gorham Street Bridge will include the remaining roadway width and a new sidewalk.
Final condition of the Gorham Street Bridge
The final configuration of the Gorham Street Bridge.
Phase I Detour Maps
Westford Street Detour:
During the Westford Street Bridge Detour, vehicles heading eastbound will:
- Leave Westford Street by bearing left on Dalton Road
- At the end of Dalton Road turn right on North Road (Route 4)
- The detour will end at the intersection of North Road with Academy Street:
- Continue on North Road for eastbound travel, or
- Turn right on Academy Street and then right on Westford Street to access the portion of Westford Street up to the bridge
During the Westford Street Bridge westbound Detour:
- Vehicles leaving Chelmsford Center will travel north on North Road
- Vehicles on Westford Street will turn left on Academy Street and then turn left on North Road
- All vehicles will turn left on Dalton Road
- The detour will end at the end of Dalton Road
- The detour will end at the intersection of North Road with Academy Street:
- Continue on Westford Street for westbound travel, or
- Turn left on Westford Street to access the portion of Westford Street up to the bridge
Gorham Street Detour:
During the Gorham Street Bridge Detour, vehicles heading southbound will:
- Leave Gorham Street by bearing right on Carlisle Street
- Continue on Carlisle Street through the intersection with Manning Road and Boston Road (a temporary signal will be installed at this intersection for the duration of the detour)
- The detour will end at the intersection of Carlisle Street with Gorham Street. From here, vehicular traffic can:
- Continue on Gorham Street for southbound travel, or
- Turn left on Gorham Street to access the portion of Gorham Street up to the bridge
During the Gorham Street bridge Detour, vehicles heading northbound will:
- Leave Gorham Street by bearing left on Carlisle Street
- Continue on Carlisle Street through the intersection with Manning Road and Boston Road (a temporary signal will be installed at this intersection for the duration of the detour)
- The detour will end at the intersection of Carlisle Street with Gorham Street. From here, vehicular traffic can:
- Continue on Gorham Street for northbound travel, or
- Turn right on Gorham Street to access the portion of Gorham Street up to the bridge
Work hours
Regular daytime work will be completed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Night work will be implemented on a limited, as-needed basis for critical work. When night work is necessary, it will be completed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Construction timeline
Westford Street Bridge
- April 2025: Begin construction
- June 2025: Implement Westford Street detour and begin Phase 1 Construction (bridge closed to vehicles, open to pedestrians and bicycles)
- November 2026: Complete Phase 1 Construction and remove detour (bridge open to all vehicles, pedestrian and bicycles). Begin Phase 2 Construction
- August 2028: Complete construction
Gorham Street Bridge
- April 2025: Begin construction
- June 2025: Implement Gorham Street detour and begin Phase 1 Construction (bridge closed to vehicles and bicycles, open to pedestrians)
- May 2027: Complete Phase 1 Construction and remove detour (bridge open to all vehicles, pedestrian and bicycles). Begin Phase 2 Construction
- August 2028: Complete construction