About the Maffa Way/Mystic Avenue Bridge superstructure replacements

The project will replace two deteriorated bridge superstructures and make other public safety improvements.

Where are the Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridges?

The Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridges are situated along the border of Boston and Somerville above the MBTA Orange Line and Commuter Rail.

Purpose of the project and summary of improvements

The Maffa Way/Mystic Avenue Bridge Superstructure Replacement project will improve public safety and the reliability of critical infrastructure in a high-traffic corridor.

Both the Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridges are close to being structurally deficient, are beyond their useful life span, and require repair. Additionally, there are currently no accommodations for bicycles across both bridges, and sidewalks and other pedestrian accommodations are inadequate. To improve the safety and reliability of the bridges, as well as the user experience of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, substantial improvements will be undertaken.

Existing Condition of Maffa Way Bridge at cross section between Caldwell Street and Sullivan Square MBTA Station

Existing Condition of Mystic Avenue Bridge at cross section between Dorrance Street and Assembly Square Drive

The project team will replace the superstructures while making necessary repairs to the substructures of each bridge. Significant improvements to the overall design of both bridges will be seen at the completion of the project:

• The Maffa Way Bridge will feature three 11-foot-wide travel lanes for car traffic, a 12-foot bus only lane, a four-foot raised median, a 10-foot, two-way bike lane, and a 12-foot sidewalk
• The Mystic Bridge will feature a 16.5-foot sidewalk and raised bike lane, a four-foot shoulder, two 11-foot travel lanes for car traffic, and a 12-foot bus only lane.

Timeline of construction activities

To maintain consistent access for vehicular traffic, bicyclists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles, construction activities will take place in phases.

Phase I: Spring 2024 – Spring 2025

Phase I of the project began in Spring 2024 and includes the replacement of the north side of the Maffa Way Bridge and the south side of the Mystic Avenue Bridge. Two lanes of traffic and access for cyclists and pedestrians will be consistently maintained throughout Phase I.

Construction conditions on Maffa Way Bridge during Phase I

Construction conditions on Mystic Avenue Bridge during Phase I

Temporary Impacts

• The erection of temporary barriers while crews perform necessary construction activities on both the Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridges.
• The reduction of vehicular traffic lanes. On the Maffa Way Bridge, two 11-foot vehicle lanes, a five-foot bike lane, and a five-foot sidewalk will be maintained. On the Mystic Avenue Bridge, an eight-and-a-half-foot sidewalk, two 11-foot vehicle travel lanes, and one-foot shoulders on either side of the vehicle travel lanes will be maintained.

Phase II: Spring 2025 – Winter 2026

Phase II of the project is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025 and will see the south side of the Maffa Way Bridge and the north side of the Mystic Avenue Bridge replaced. Two lanes of traffic and a sidewalk will be consistently maintained throughout Phase II.

Construction conditions on Maffa Way Bridge during Phase II beginning Spring 2025

Construction conditions on Mystic Avenue Bridge during Phase II beginning Spring 2025

Temporary Impacts

• The erecting of temporary barriers on the opposite side of each bridge while crews complete necessary construction activities.
• During Phase II on the Maffa Way Bridge, a two-and-a-half-foot shoulder, two 11-foot vehicle travel lanes, and a five-foot sidewalk will be maintained. On the Mystic Avenue Bride, a five-foot sidewalk, two 11-foot vehicle travel lanes, and two one-foot shoulders on either side of the vehicle travel lanes will be maintained.
• During June 2025, the MBTA has tentatively scheduled a nine-day shutdown of the Orange Line. The MBTA is in the process of determining any limits. Shuttle buses will be provided to riders.
• Prior to the commencement of Phase II construction activities, a public information meeting will be held. Please continue to monitor this website for meeting information as it becomes available.

Final Condition: Winter 2026

At completion, both the Maffa Way Bridge and the Mystic Avenue Bridge will fully re-open to vehicular, cycling, and pedestrian traffic with significant upgrades, including new travel lanes and medians designed to increase public safety.

At final condition, the Maffa Way Bridge will have three 11-foot vehicle travel lanes, a 12-foot dedicated bus lane, a four-foot raised median, a 10-foot, two-way bicycle lane, a 12-foot sidewalk, and shoulders of various dimensions. On the Mystic Avenue Bridge, there will be a 16-and-a-half-foot multi-use sidewalk and bicycle lane, a four-foot protective shoulder, two 11-foot vehicle traffic lanes, a 12-foot dedicated bus lane, and outside shoulders of various dimensions.

Final condition of the Maffa Way Bridge upon completion, scheduled for Winter 2026

Final condition of the Mystic Avenue Bridge upon completion, scheduled for Winter 2026

How is my neighborhood affected?

Improvements to the Maffa Way and Mystic Avenue Bridges benefit everyone, but we understand that some communities bear the brunt of construction activities. Though access for vehicular traffic, emergency vehicles, and pedestrians will be maintained throughout the project, construction activities could increase travel time. Additionally, we recognize that communities in Somerville and Boston are likely to see more traffic, noise, and pollution in their communities. We are committed to finding ways to lower these effects and reduce impacts across the board.

Here is our plan to lower some of the effects:

Work Hours

• Crews will work during standard construction hours, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM except for certain shutdown activities.
• In coordination with the MBTA during their proposed nine-day shutdowns of the Orange Line in 2024 and 2025, work hours will increase to 24-hours a day.
• MassDOT has built in incentives and disincentives for the project design-build team to ensure compliance with the project timeline.
• Notice will be provided ahead of any activities that necessitate longer work hours.

Traffic

• The project team will investigate the need for traffic signal changes along impacted alternate routes during construction activities as best to maintain a steady flow of traffic.
• The project team will utilize portable, digital signage to ensure motorists and pedestrians are alerted to conditions.
• The project team will use a dedicated construction truck route for incoming and outgoing materials as best to ensure that deliveries do not disrupt the flow of traffic.
• The project team will utilize dedicated off-site parking to maintain parking options for area residents and visitors.

Noise

• The project team will monitor construction noise throughout the project and will comply with local ordinances.
• During demolition, the project team will implement methods designed to limit “hammering” of concrete infrastructure as much as possible.

Dust

• In neighborhoods adjacent to the project work area, streets will be swept following major work activities that might track soil into roadways.
• Stockpiles used for construction activities will either be watered down or hydroseeded if stores in the project work area for a sustained amount of time.
• The project team will periodically use calcium chloride and/or water to mitigate dust.

Pest Control

• To limit and monitor pests, a local pest control contractor will be utilized throughout the duration of the project.
• Bait stations will be set along the perimeter of the project and maintained monthly to ensure effectiveness.

In addition to these measures, MassDOT asks for your help to reduce traffic volume by as much as possible by:

• Reduce: Schedule your vacations during critical project work periods, including when the MBTA shuts down the Orange Line.
• Reroute: To the best of your ability, seek alternative routes to your destination away from work zones.
• Reschedule: If able, alter your work schedules or meeting times to times outside rush hour.
• Re-mode: Consider utilizing alternative methods of transportation, including buses, the subway, and bicycles.
• Remote: If you can, work from home.

During construction activities and in coordination with the MBTA during shutdowns of the Orange Line, MassDOT and the MBTA will provide signs, alerts, and other detour options to help you with your travel options.

The project team is committed to limiting the impacts and inconveniences associated with construction activities and we want to hear your questions, comments, and concerns as they arise. Please reach out to us at [e-mail] and sign up for project updates to stay informed throughout the duration of the project.