North Washington Street Bridge Replacement: Temp Bridge To Come

CHARLESTOWN, MA – If you were wondering how that North Washington Street Bridge replacement was going to impact traffic, you're not alone. It looks like the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be building a temporary bridge to help reduce traffic hiccups as crews work on the city's $177 million project to replace the North Washington Street Bridge during the next five years.

Starting in 2019 MassDOT is set to replace the 118-year-old bridge, widen sidewalks, add separate bicycle lanes, and bus rapid transit lanes, increase intersection safety and capability, and improve the navigation.
The bridge is currently safe for travel, but is nearing the end of its usable life cycle, officials say.

Thousands of cars and pedestrians travel across the old bridge daily and several Haymarket-destined bus routes, including the 92, 93, 111 and 426, will be impacted.

Details are currently being finalized regarding the temporary bridge that will get drivers over the Boston Inner Harbor between the North End and Charlestown. And the temporary bridge will likely be built in 2019. And there's good news and maybe some less good news (if you're a parent with a child who uses the playground nearby).

The temporary bridge will be located next to the current bridge and the aim is to help keep traffic from completely going haywire. There will be at least three travel lanes, access for bicyclists and pedestrians and will help expedite the construction, according to MassDOT.

“We are committed to carrying out this major project and replacing this bridge structure in ways that minimize the impact on the traveling public and local communities,” said Highway Administrator Gulliver in a statement.

"The City of Boston is pleased to join with our local, state and federal partners on this comprehensive plan that will expedite the rebuilding of the North Washington Street Bridge,” said Boston Chief of Streets Chris Osgood. “With any construction project, we place a premium on ensuring residents are able to travel safely and efficiently around our city. We look forward to exchanging dialogue with our West End, Charlestown, and North End neighbors for the duration of the project.”

If you're wondering about the Freedom Trail, officials say the temporary bridge will also mark and carry the historic Freedom Trail.

The less good news: It will mean the playground in Paul Revere Park will need to find a new home. The playground is slated to be relocated within the park, closer toward the North Bank Bridge, according to MassDOT, which also said it would be rebuilt with "improved amenities" to sweeten the deal.

No word on how long that playground will be out of commission. Sorry, parents.

A series of public meetings in Charlestown, the North End, and the West End, will be held to inform the public about the details of this construction plan. Check out the project website.

This month crews started working on getting utilities set up. Major construction is slated to start in spring 2019 and last through 2023.

Photo of current bridge by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff. Mock up of new courtesy MassDot