Traffic and construction updates - Eliot Bridge preservation

Updates on traffic impacts and construction.

Project advisories

Look-ahead September 13 - September 26, 2026

Travel impacts

The Contractor has altered the roadway and sidewalks to conform with the Phase 2C traffic pattern. Work underneath the bridge will require the Cambridge-side arch to be closed to boat traffic. Periodic closures of the pedestrian underpasses continue. Please be aware that either the East or West pedestrian tunnel may be closed during operations; at no time will both underpasses be closed simultaneously. Ongoing nighttime operations are expected to require alternating closures of the eastbound travel lanes. On September 16 and 17, the nighttime alternating lane closures are expected to move to the westbound travel lanes for paving operations. Only one lane will be closed on Eliot Bridge at a time. To see the formal advisory and traffic details for nighttime operations, please visit the project website.

Operations

Over the next two weeks, the Contractor will be working on the topside of the Eliot Bridge and the underside accessed from the water. Work will take place Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nighttime operations are expected to take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Operations will include the following:

• Install brick veneer
• Brick repairs on the south bridge wall
• Underside concrete chipping and framework repairs (Cambridge-side arch to remain closed)
• Paving in the westbound travel lanes (nighttime)
• Concrete excavations in the eastbound travel lanes (nighttime)
   

Overall project status

Phase 2C is underway.

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 will be used throughout the project to control traffic and create safe work zones within the project limits. Please be aware that either the East or West pedestrian tunnel may be closed during operations; at no time will both underpasses be closed simultaneously.

Construction and traffic management

The roadway over the Eliot Bridge will remain open during construction. During peak hours, two travel lanes will remain open in each direction utilizing lane shifts and temporary barriers. Pedestrian access will be maintained on one side of the bridge and will entail a pedestrian detour route.

The bridge spans over the Charles River seeing heavy marine traffic throughout the day. The contractor will be required to occupy only one span over the water at a time, leaving the other two spans open for marine traffic.

Work will take place eight hours a day, five days a week. No work will be done on weekends, holidays, or the day before or the day after a holiday without approval by the Engineer.