I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Hopkinton, Westborough Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13

What is Happening?

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.

The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:

• Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 northbound. 

Additionally, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed overnight on Monday, August 10 from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place: 

• Take Exit 106A (I-495 southbound), down to Exit 54A, and back onto I-495 northbound. 

The I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:

• Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West. 

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.

About the Project

The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street. 

Stay Informed

If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.

To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551

Project email: 495-90Improvements@state.ma.us

Project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/495-90interchange

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project - Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange Overnight August 4-7

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project 

Advisory: Hopkinton, Westborough

Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange

Overnight August 4-7

I-495 Southbound Traffic Shift Rescheduled to August 4

What is Happening?

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations. 

The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly on Tuesday, August 4, through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place: 

• Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 northbound. 
  
  
  

Additionally, the I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly on Tuesday, August 4, through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During these overnight closures, the following detour will be in place: 

• Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West. 

Next, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed nightly on Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 7 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During the overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:

• Take I-90 westbound to Exit 106A (I-485 southbound), then take Exit 54A to reverse direction onto I-495 northbound.

Lastly, traffic on I-495 southbound will be shifted from the median into the final alignment beginning the evening of Tuesday, August 4. This work was initially scheduled to take place the evening of Monday, August 3, but has been postponed due to weather.

This work will take place from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM the following morning. During this time, one or more travel lanes may be temporarily closed to allow for these construction activities. At least one lane on I-495 southbound will remain open while the work occurs. Additionally, the connection to the I-90 eastbound and westbound on-ramp (Exit 58) from I-495 southbound will be moved approximately 1,000 feet south to its permanent location. You can view a map of the new traffic alignment here.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.      

Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.       

All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.     

About the Project

The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street. 

Stay Informed

If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.

To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551

Project email: 495-90Improvements@state.ma.us

Project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/495-90interchange

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight this week will reroute traffic

Overnight construction on I-495 and I-90 through Westborough is scheduled to take place through the upcoming week as part of MassDOT’s Interchange Project.

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight
 this week will reroute traffic

Starting at 11 p.m. on Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, and then again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the exit 58 ramp from I-495 to I-90 westbound will be closed and a detour will be established at exit 111 to take drivers eastbound on I-90 in order to reverse direction. 

When exit 106 on I-90 eastbound to I-495 northbound is closed, drivers can take I-495 southbound to exit 54A to get back to I-495 northbound.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZRLR5vrU/

I-90 Newton Bridge Replacement - Traffic Delays Expected

MassDOT is expecting heavy traffic along I-90 at I/95 

Friday, May 30, 2025, 9 PM to Monday, June 2, 2025, 5 AM and 

Friday, June 20, 2025, 9 PM to Monday, June 23, 2025, 5 AM

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

MassDOT will replace the I-90 bridge over the MBTA Worcester Commuter Rail in Newton, MA. Accelerated Bridge Construction methods will be used to replace the bridge over two weekends to minimize impacts to the public. 

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Exit 123 in Weston and Exit 125 in Newton.

I-90 Newton Bridge Replacement - Traffic Delays Expected

TRAVEL TIPS

Drivers should expect significant delays on I-90 during these weekends. If possible, drivers should plan ahead, avoid the area, and seek an alternate route. Real-time messaging boards will be along the interstates providing travel times through the area.

HOW CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

•       Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
•       Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
•       Follow @MassDOT on X (formerly known as Twitter) to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
•       For questions email: I-90newton-weston@dot.state.ma.us

For more info on the project page -> https://www.mass.gov/newton-weston-bridge-replacement-and-rehabilitation-at-i-90i-95

Newton-Weston bridge replacement and rehabilitation at I-90/I-95

Newton-Weston bridge replacement and rehabilitation at I-90/I-95

For project details visit ->   https://www.mass.gov/newton-weston-bridge-replacement-and-rehabilitation-at-i-90i-95

 Shared from ->    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4syWYkCY/

Via CommonWealth Magazine: Franklin farm ready to benefit on one change, MetroWest commuters on another

"Rule change paves way for smokeable hemp" and Franklin farm ready to benefit

"FOR THE LAST four years, Linda Noel has planted and cultivated hemp, but the Franklin farmer has never been able to sell it because of strict regulations governing how her crop can be used. 

Now that’s about to change, as the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources published a new rule Monday night allowing the state’s hemp farmers to sell the flower of the plant to legal marijuana dispensaries, which can package it into smoking products. It opens a vast new market for hemp farmers by legalizing the sale of the most profitable product to come out of the hemp plant – smokeable flower. 

Hemp is a kind of cannabis plant, but unlike marijuana, it cannot get a person high. Hemp tends to be rich in CBD, which is thought to have therapeutic qualities, but does not have a significant amount of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/rule-change-paves-way-for-smokeable-hemp/

Visit Terrapin Farm on the web at -> https://terrapin.farm/

David Kashuba and KP Owens work harvesting hemp at Terrapin Farm in Franklin. (Courtesy Linda Noel)

"Spilka scores victory on I-90 Allston project" and MetroWest commuters can benefit

"SENATE PRESIDENT Karen Spilka took a tour several weeks ago of the aging transportation infrastructure the state is looking to replace in the Allston area.

She walked underneath the badly deteriorated elevated section of the Massachusetts Turnpike. She inspected the commuter rail tracks and Soldiers Field Road and got a sense of how much stuff the state was trying to cram into a narrow section of land between Boston University and the Charles River that has come to be known as the throat.

“You see firsthand how tight it is,” Spilka said.

At the time of the tour, hosted by Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler, the Baker administration had not made any decision about how to replace all those roads and tracks. At the conclusion of the tour, Spilka remembers being a bit agnostic on what repair approach should be adopted. “I’m not an engineer,” she said."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/spilka-scores-victory-on-i-90-allston-project/

Direct link to the MassDOT Alston project -> https://www.mass.gov/allston-multimodal-project

Picture shows elevated Massachusetts Turnpike between BU and Charles River with Soldiers Field Road at grade. (via Commonwealth Magazine)

I-90 Exit Number Conversion Advisory

Dear Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

This notice is to inform you that exit numbering conversion will begin on Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

•       Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
•       Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
•       Approximate start date: Dec. 13
•       Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
•       Hours of operation: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway.

For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

 

 

From the Franklin Matters archives  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/goodbye-exit-16-ext-17-hello-exit-41.html

Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

Commonwealth Magazine: "Pollack accepts upgraded at-grade throat proposal"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"STATE TRANSPORTATION Secretary Stephanie Pollack embraced a new all at-grade proposal for the so-called throat section of the I-90 Allston interchange that locates a bike and pedestrian path and a tiny portion of Soldiers Field Road in the Charles River.

The latest at-grade proposal, backed by the city of Boston and the business group A Better City, cleared a major hurdle when Pollack approved it as one of three alternatives to be reviewed by state and federal regulators. One of the three alternatives will be selected as the preferred alternative in the coming weeks.

Backers of the at-grade approach say momentum is building for their design, largely because it doesn’t erect an elevated highway as a wall between BU and the river and provides a large bike and pedestrian path and a refurbished river bank.

“Both A Better City and the city of Boston see this as a victory,” said Rick Dimino, the president and CEO of A Better City. “We see no reason why it shouldn’t move forward as the preferred alternative.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/pollack-accepts-upgraded-at-grade-throat-proposal/

 

Visit Mass DOT for additional info on the i90 Allston project  

https://www.mass.gov/allston-multimodal-project  or this update

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/recent-developments-and-next-steps-for-the-allston-multimodal-project

 

 

Picture shows elevated Massachusetts Turnpike between BU and Charles River with Soldiers Field Road at grade. (via Commonwealth Magazine)

Goodbye exit 16, exit 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

MA highway exit numbers change in October to meet Federal standard. Announced last year and guess what, it was delayed by the pandemic, but the change is coming in October.

 

"Amid constant changes in 2020 not even highway exit numbers are safe.

Massachusetts will begin to transition to mileage-based exit numbers in October, according to WCVB.

The change was announced last year as the state will drop its current sequential numbering in order to comply with a 2009 federal mandate.

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only states that have yet to implement the change, and are at risk of losing federal funding if they do not comply."

Continue reading the article at MassLive: 

https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/09/massachusetts-highway-exit-numbers-to-change-in-october-to-reflect-mileage-based-denominations-to-meet-federal-mandate.html

The MA DOT page for the overall project including an interactive map of all the exit number changes   https://www.newmassexits.com/

Exit numbers for i495  https://www.newmassexits.com/i-495-corridor

MA DOT video explanation = https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA 

 

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

 

In the News: MassDOT webinar released on i495/i90 interchange project

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Plans for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange eliminate weaving movements that have caused the junction to be susceptible to crashes and congestion for years. 

State transportation leaders and project officials posted a webinar Thursday outlining the 25% design details of the project, which includes seven new direct and semi-direct ramps connecting the two interstates. The designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver will make getting off the highway and merging much safer, project officials said. 

“The reason for the project is that the I-90/495 interchange is identified as a high-crash and high-congestion location,” Ryan McNeill, a state Department of Transportation project manager, said during the webinar. “The enhancements that are discussed in this presentation will improve the safety and operational efficiency at the system interchange and address chronically deficient traffic conditions for the movement of people and goods within the project area.” 

New ramps will be widened to include shoulders and will have designated speeds of 45 mph, 10 mph faster than the existing ramps. The radius of the ramps will not be as tight. Tractor-trailers currently are required to go very slow entering Interstate 495 southbound due to the tight radius of the off-ramp."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/i-90495-reconstruction-aims-to-ease-traffic-reduce-bottlenecks-crashes

Additional info and to provide comments during this period
https://www.mass.gov/event/hopkintonwestborough-design-public-hearing-webinar-and-comment-period-2020-07-09t000000-0400


YouTube link = https://youtu.be/xJN9_LHpzi8

In the News: "State officials have estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent with the preferred design"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Want to learn more about the upcoming Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange reconstruction?

The state Department of Transportation Thursday morning will post a pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project. The webinar is scheduled to be posted at 9 a.m. The webinar can be found at www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings.

The project team has completed 25% of the designs, according to the state Department of Transportation’s website.

“The purpose of this hearing webinar is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements project,” according to a posting on the DOT’s website. “All views and comments submitted in response to the webinar will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/state-dot-will-hold-pre-recorded-webinar-thursday-on-pikei-495-interchange-project

Handout for this webinar
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-hearing-handout-hopkinton-westborough-070920/download
 

pre-recorded webinar to present the design for the proposed Mass Pike-Interstate-495 interchange project

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the wake of widespread pushback against earlier proposals, state transportation officials floated a new design Monday for a landmark Allston infrastructure project that they will consider alongside two other options as a key deadline approaches.

The more than $1 billion Allston Multimodal Project may represent the most significant highway work in Massachusetts in a generation, but planning for up to a decade of construction, accomplishing goals for four different modes of travel, and minimizing impacts on the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters that pass through the narrow stretch of land connecting Boston to the west has been fraught with difficult choices.

Deliberations have been underway for years about how best to balance the project’s goals of replacing the structurally deficient viaduct carrying the Turnpike, straightening a curved section of the road, allowing for construction of a commuter rail West Station and freeing space for pedestrians and neighborhoods.

Because the 12 lanes of crowded roadway, commuter rail tracks and walking paths are crammed into only 204 feet of space between Boston University and the river, construction will impose major disruptions on some if not all of the modes of travel through the area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200622/new-design-floated-for-allston-highwaytransit-megaproject

Mass DOT materials for the Allston Multimodal Project
https://www.mass.gov/lists/allston-multimodal-project-2020-meeting-materials

Fact sheet for June 22 meeting
https://www.mass.gov/doc/allston-multimodal-project-fact-sheet/download

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"

In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 

By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

• Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
• Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
• Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags

"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

"estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The state’s preferred design for the reconstruction of the troublesome Interstate-495-Mass Pike interchange eliminates weaving that often causes bottlenecks and crashes at the existing junction.

State transportation leaders unveiled the preferred project design at the first of four public information meetings at Hopkinton Town Hall on Thursday. The design includes designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver to make getting off the highway and merging much safer.

The interchange is known for significant traffic during peak hours, weekends and summertime. It also has a high crash rate. More than 75,000 vehicles pass through the junction each day. More than 450 crashes – including two fatalities – occurred there between 2011 and 2015. Joseph Cahill, a consultant on the project, estimated a crash occurs there once every three or four days.

“We’re significantly improving the safety of the interchange,” said Cahill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190725/state-officials-unveil-preferred-design-for-overhaul-of-i-495-mass-pike-interchange

For more info on the project visit their webpage
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

There is an interactive map for comments
  https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

an interactive map

Learn more about the I-90 Allston Project’s Impacts on MetroWest - Thursday, July 18

Commute Times, Cost, Public Tranist, Congestion, Impact on MetroWest

I hope you will join me MassDOT Public Information Meeting I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Date: Thursday, July 18, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Location: Framingham City Hall Blumer Room 150 Concord Street, Framingham As your legislator and a long time toll-paying resident of MetroWest, I invite you to join me this Thursday, July 18, to learn more about the state's plan to overhaul a portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston and its potential impact on our region. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the project will include straightening a portion of Interstate 90 and other changes to accommodate development in Allston/Brighton. We deserve to know more about what this means for our region, our commutes, our public transportation system and, most importantly, how much it is going to cost and who will be expected to pay for it. Your voice is important to help ensure our commutes experience the least amount of disruption. I hope you will join me.  Please contact my office at 617-722-1500 if you have any questions. More info: Allston Multimodal Project Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | 617-722-1500 | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov www.karenspilka.com

Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

"designed to improve safety and operational efficiency"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State transportation leaders will outline preferred design for I-495/90 interchange reconstruction.

Want to learn more about the potential design plan for the reconstruction of the heavily traveled interchange of I-495 and the Mass. Pike? The state Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold four informational meetings throughout MetroWest later this month.

Meetings: The first public meeting will be held Thursday, July 25, at Hopkinton High School. Others will be held Tuesday, July 30, at Hudson Town Hall; Wednesday, July 31, at Shrewsbury Town Hall; and Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Holliston police headquarters. All meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190714/transportation-officials-will-share-preferred-deisgn-for-i-49590-interchange-at-four-public-meetings-this-month

For more info on the project visit their webpage
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

There is an interactive map for comments
  https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

an interactive map

MassDOT: (Updated Links) Comm. Ave Bridge Project Reminder: Shutdown: July 26 to August 11: Significant Impacts to Comm. Ave, I-90, and the MBTA

2018 Construction Shutdown: July 26 – August 11

Significant Impacts to Comm Ave, I-90, and the MBTA

This is a reminder that the 2018 Construction Shutdown for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project is beginning, Thursday, July 26, at 7:00 PM and will continue through 5:00 AM on Saturday, August 11. Please note the construction-related impacts below:

For Drivers:

I-90 (Mass Pike) Users:
        •       Lane reductions on I-90 between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass in
                Boston from 9:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 6:
                        o       Peak hours: reduced to two lanes in each direction
                        o       Off-peak hours and weekends:
                        o       Weekends of July 27-30 and August 3-6 (9:00 PM each Friday to 5:00 AM each  Monday)
                                        •       One eastbound and two westbound lanes open, or one westbound
                                                and two eastbound lanes open
                        o       Weekdays, July 30-31 (during eastbound shift): 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM
                                        •       One eastbound lane open and two westbound lanes open
                        o       Weekdays, August 2-3 (during westbound shift): 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
                                        •       One westbound lane open and two eastbound lanes open
        •       Ramp closures on I-90 in Boston from 9:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 6:
                        o       The I-90 Eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed during this entire period.
                        o       The I-90 Westbound Exit 20 off-ramp to Brighton/Cambridge will be closed intermittently.
                        o       See the "I-90 (Mass Pike) Ramp Closures Detour" on the Traffic Management page
                                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx
        •       I-90 will be fully restored to four lanes in each direction by 5:00 AM on August 6.

        Commonwealth Avenue Users:
        •       Commonwealth Avenue (between Packard's Corner and Kenmore Square) will be closed to vehicular through traffic (local access only) from 7:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 11. Access will be maintained for businesses and abutting properties.
        •       See the "Commonwealth Avenue Closure Detour" on the Traffic Management page
                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx

                Boston University (BU) Bridge Users:
        •       The BU Bridge will be closed to vehicular and bus traffic from 7:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 11.
        •       See the "Boston University (BU) Bridge Closure Detour" on the Traffic Management page
                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx

For Pedestrians and Bicyclists:

Pedestrians and bicyclists will have full access across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the eastbound side throughout construction. There will be additional Blue Bikes stations on Commonwealth Avenue during the shutdown (see below).
        •       The Pedestrian Routes and Detours map shows the minor pedestrian detour that will be in place to keep pedestrians safely away from the work zone:
                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/Ped_Detour.pdf
        •       The Bicycle Routes and Detours map shows the bicycle routes that will be in place. Bicyclists heading north and south between Mountfort/Essex Street and the BU Bridge will follow a minor detour route: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/BikeDetourMap.pdf
        •       See the Walk and Bike Times Map:
                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/WalkBikeTimeReduced.pdf

For MBTA Green B Line Users:

The Green B Line will be replaced with shuttle buses between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations from 5:00 AM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 11. See the MBTA project website for additional information: https://www.mbta.com/projects/commonwealth-avenue-bridge-replacement#greenlineb.

For MBTA CT2 and 47 Bus Users:

MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47 will be detoured from the normal routes from 7:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 11. The Route 57 Bus will operate its normal route.
        •       See the Route 47 detour map: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/CommAve_Shuttle_Map_47.pdf
        •       See the Route CT2 detour map: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/CommAve_Shuttle_Map_CT2.pdf
        •       See the MBTA project website for additional information: https://www.mbta.com/projects/commonwealth-avenue-bridge-replacement#greenlineb.

For MBTA Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line Users:

During the weekends of July 28-29 and August 4-5, there will be no train service between Framingham and South Station.
        •       Free bus shuttles will replace train service between Framingham and Wellesley Farms. After Wellesley Farms, the shuttle bus will then continue nonstop to Riverside, where riders can connect to the Green D Line.
        •       In addition to the local shuttles, express shuttle service will be available between
                Framingham and Riverside.
        •       See www.mbta.com/worcester for more information and view a detailed shuttle schedule.
        •       Service will be maintained during weekdays.

For Amtrak Lakeshore Limited Line Users: Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited Line/Chicago will be replaced by shuttle buses between South Station and Albany, NY with stops in Springfield and Worcester for the weekends of July 28-29 and August 4-5.

MassDOT Encourages Active Transportation

There will be pedestrian and bicycle wayfinding signage at all Green Line shuttle bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue to encourage active transportation, especially for short trips. This will help optimize shuttle bus operations by shortening bus wait times and headways.

Additional Blue Bikes Service
MassDOT is partnering with the City of Boston to provide an additional temporary Blue Bikes station at Silber Way on Commonwealth Ave during the construction period.

Other nearby stations include:
·         Kenmore Square
·         BU Central - 725 Commonwealth Ave
·         Commonwealth Ave at Amory St
·         Commonwealth Ave at Babcock Street
·         Packard's Corner - Commonwealth Ave at Brighton Ave
·         Lower Cambridgeport at Magazine St
·         Longwood and Binney

Valet service will be provided as follows:
·         Commonwealth Ave at Babcock St - 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
·         Longwood and Binney - 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
·         Silber Way – 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Get Ready to Ride
Download the Blue Bikes app on the App Store or Google Play to find a station near you. For a limited time, Blue Bikes is dropping their Single Trip Pass to  from July 26 - August 11,
available in the Blue Bikes app. For more information, visit bluebikes.com.

Please see the project website, www.mass.gov/massdot/commavebridge, for more information.

Please share this advisory with anyone you think may be interested in the project, and encourage them to sign up for email alerts for traffic updates and meeting announcements:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MADOT_77%27

For any questions or comments, please contact Jim Kersten, Deputy Chief of Staff,
MassDOT Highway Division, at 857-368-9041 or by email at CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.

Sincerely,
Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project Team

Thank you,
EZDriveMA Customer Service Center.

Comm Ave Bridge Project Update: I-90 Lane Reductions
and Ramp Closures begin July 27