Traffic and construction updates - Eliot Bridge preservation

Updates on traffic impacts and construction.

Table of Contents

Project Advisories

Look-ahead July 7, 2025 – July 28, 2025

Travel Impacts

The Contractor has altered the roadway and sidewalks to conform with the Phase 2A traffic pattern. Work underneath the bridge will require the Boston 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.

Operations

Over the next two weeks, the Contractor will be working on top of the Eliot Bridge and underneath the bridge from the water. Work will take place Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, except for July 2 to July 8 when operations will cease for the holiday weekend. Operations will include:

  • Barge work has moved from the center arch to the Boston arch
  • Barge work will include underside concrete chipping
  • Northside concrete sidewalk widening and reinforcement for stability and longevity (southside sidewalk to remain open)
  • Northside interior/exterior brick repairs
  • Removal and replacement of deteriorated brick veneer on the north parapet

Project Status

Phase 2A construction 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 days, 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.

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