MassDOT remains committed to providing the residents of Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhoods with a new, modern bridge that does not present the short- and long-term challenges to the traveling public and MassDOT that the existing structure does. The agency does not have the option to avoid replacing the River Street Bridge as there are some elements of the existing structure which cannot be accessed for repairs due to the presence of the many utilities and the specific structural design of the bridge.
The replacement project had its most recent public milestone in 2023 with a 25% design public hearing. For more information, please see MassDOT hearing presentation - River Street Bridge 5/3/23
MassDOT’s goal is to keep the existing bridge open to traffic until it must be closed to make way for its replacement. When that time comes, due to the nature of the existing bridge’s type - a truss - it will have to be closed in its entirety. Unfortunately, due to the existing bridge type, there is not an opportunity to keep one lane of traffic operating on half of the existing bridge. The detours used during the recent repairs would go back into service and the overnight work windows imposed by the presence of Amtrak’s 25,000-volt catenary (train power) cables will have an impact on the construction schedule.
Replacement project status
While the bridge was initially set to be advertised in 2024, some key design decisions have impacted the design schedule for the bridge replacement.
Slide 27 of the 25% design public hearing presentation MassDOT hearing presentation - River Street Bridge 5/3/23 shows the intersection of River Street, Business Street, and Gordon Avenue converted into a conventional, four-way, signalized intersection. The improvements to the intersection as part of the bridge replacement project was at the request of the City. In the months after the 25% design public hearing, it was determined that the portion of Business Street immediately before the signal is owned by the MBTA. MassDOT understands the City and MBTA are actively working through the ownership issue and if it can be resolved, it will be part of the final bridge replacement contract documents.
The MBTA has begun to explore accessibility improvements to Hyde Park Station. MassDOT continues to coordinate with MBTA to ensure the bridge replacement does not impact the MBTA’s future plans to ensure the station meets accessibility requirements.
Once these elements are finalized, they will be shared with the public through this website and email distribution list, both of which will be maintained for providing updates during replacement project.
If you have questions or concerns about the replacement project, please contact us.