Bowker Overpass traffic and construction updates

Overview of construction operations and impacts for the Boston-Bridge Superstructure Replacement and Widening Bowker Overpass over I-90/ MBTA/Ipswich Street.

Advisories

Current construction status

As of September 2026, Stage 1B construction work is ongoing.

Construction look-ahead: September 12, 2026 – October 2, 2026

What is happening?

The contractor is continuing roadway reconstruction at the Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue intersections, underground utility installation, demolition of certain concrete structures, construction of new concrete structures, and installation of new bridge foundations.

Travel impacts

Over the next three weeks, temporary vehicle and pedestrian controls will be used in the areas listed below. Please see the construction schedule on the Fact Sheet for more details on Stage 1B travel impacts.

• I-90 Eastbound The fixed work zone previously installed in the left lane on I-90 Eastbound will remain in effect. I-90 Eastbound through the project area is currently reduced to three travel lanes.
• I-90 Westbound The fixed work zone previously installed in the left lane on I-90 Westbound will continue. I-90 Westbound through the project area is currently reduced to three travel lanes.
• Boylston Street and Bowker Overpass Intersection Temporary traffic controls have been installed at the Boylston Street intersection at the Bowker Overpass. Work at this intersection will continue, and certain vehicular movements through the intersection will be restricted to a single travel lane.
• Ipswich Street Temporary traffic control previously adjusted along Ipswich Street beneath the Bowker Overpass will continue, and the contractor will be working on the north side of Ipswich Street along the railroad property. This traffic control setup will not impact vehicular travel lanes or the pedestrian route, which will remain open and accessible throughout construction.
• Charlesgate West On-Ramp Temporary traffic control previously installed along Charlesgate West On-Ramp to Bowker Overpass will continue. This traffic control setup will not impact vehicular travel lanes or the pedestrian route, which will remain open and accessible throughout construction.
• Commonwealth Avenue & Charlesgate East/West Intersections: Temporary traffic controls have been installed at the Commonwealth Avenue and Charlesgate East intersection, as well as at the Commonwealth Avenue and Charlesgate West intersection. Work at this location will continue, and certain vehicular movements will be restricted during work. Pedestrian access will remain open and accessible throughout construction and will include signed pedestrian detours as needed.
• Bowker Viaduct: Temporary traffic controls have been installed on the Bowker Viaduct between Boylston Street and Storrow Drive. This traffic control setup restricts northbound vehicular traffic heading towards Storrow Drive to one travel lane.

Impacts during the weekend of September 18-21, 2026 will include partial closure of the Boylston Street intersection at the Bowker Overpass. A separate advisory with more details will be distributed prior to the weekend.

Operations

Bowker Overpass Over MBTA, Ipswich Street, and I-90

• Roadway reconstruction and utility installation at Boylston Street intersection
• Roadway reconstruction and utility installation at Commonwealth Avenue and Charlesgate East/West intersections
• Bridge construction at I-90 median
• Demolition of certain concrete structures
• Construction of new concrete structures

Work hours

• Daytime Hours: Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as required
• Nighttime Hours: Sunday through Friday from 8:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. as required
• Note: Certain work operations are 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, as required.

Abutter impacts

Weekend work is expected from 10:00 p.m. on Friday through 7:00 a.m. on Monday for the following weekends, September 11 – 14, 2026, September 18-21, and September 25 – 28, 2026. The Contractor is scheduled to carry out bridge work in the vicinity of the Bowker Overpass for the duration of each weekend. Abutters can expect noise and vibration impacts as work takes place. Monitoring systems and preventative measures are in place throughout construction for noise, vibration, and dust.

Travel tips

Please take care to pay attention to all signage as it is posted. Police details, changes in lane markings, temporary controls such as barriers and traffic cones, signage, and other tools may be used throughout the project to control traffic and create safe work zones within the project limits.