Repairs to damaged bridge on I-93 in Medford expected to cause delays of months – CBS Boston

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Medford (CBS) – Drivers were told to avoid Interstate 93 in Medford if possible as repairs continued Tuesday on a heavily damaged bridge. MassDOT said traffic delays and lane closures can last several months until permanent repairs are completed.

A truck carrying an oversized load collided with a flyover on Monday south of 93, causing rush hour traffic chaos. It happened at Exit 24 in Roosevelt Circle, where Route 28 intersects over the highway.

A truck crashed into a bridge on I-93 South in Medford on Monday afternoon. (WBZ-TV)

Crews worked all night on repairs, but only two lanes of traffic were crossed on this side of the highway on Tuesday. Drivers are also prohibited from crossing the eastbound bridge.

MassDOT said there will be lane closures throughout the day while the damaged girder and part of the bridge deck are destroyed. Immediate repair work may extend to Wednesday’s mobility.

“It’s going to be tough all day. Well tonight, hopefully, but there’s a possibility that tomorrow morning’s commutes will be affected as well,” State Highway Manager Jonathan Gulliver told WBZ-TV Tuesday.

MassDOT said drivers should expect delays on Route 1 South, Route 16, Route 28, and through the Roosevelt Circle for the next several months because the bridge won’t open fully for a while until permanent repairs can be made.

The agency has placed message boards on I-93 as far away as the New Hampshire border to alert drivers about the work area.

North Shore travelers should avoid 93SB in Medford and look for alternatives like @MBTA_CR

Two travel lanes have been closed as crews install the MassDOT chassis that was damaged yesterday. This will take place every Tuesday and may also affect Wednesday’s commute. pic.twitter.com/ey8MCgDxGJ

— Jonathan Gulliver (@JLGulliver) July 20, 2021

Those taking 93 south through Medford should expect delays, slow down and exercise caution.

One alternative way is to get off exactly from 93 as the driveway closes at Exit 24 in Medford.

If drivers see a traffic jam, they can get off at Exit 25 at Stoneham and go back to Medford Square, bypassing Exit 24.

Gulliver said they are working as quickly as possible to install the bridge. The primary goal, he said, is to remove all the damaged concrete and steel, so it doesn’t fall off the highway, and then come up with a long-term repair plan.

As for what happened Monday afternoon with the truck and its cargo, which has been described as possibly an industrial tank or grain tower, Gulliver said they’re not sure yet.

“I can tell you it had to go under a number of other bridges that were at the same height, so we’re not sure if that load eased at some point,” he told WBZ.

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