No Plan For Boden Lane Bridge Replacement — Yet

NATICK, MA — The Boden Lane bridge in Natick has been out of commission for one full year, and MassDOT is not planning any upcoming work, officials said this week.

On Oct. 31 2019, workers damaged the bridge while trimming brush along the commuter rail tracks. The span was demolished in December, and a temporary pedestrian crossing was erected to connect commuters to the West Natick MBTA station along Route 135.

But a full return of service may be a ways off.

MassDOT has to plan funding for a full replacement for the bridge, which could occur within three to five years, spokeswoman Kristen Pennucci said this week. MassDOT is planning a public meeting about the future of the bridge in mid-2021.

The temporary pedestrian bridge opened on Jan. 27 after several months of a MWRTA shuttle that ferried commuters around the bridge. Boden lane is the only crossing over the commuter rail tracks along a 1-1/2 mile stretch between Mill Street in Natick and Bishop Street in downtown Framingham.