Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project Update: Upcoming Route 1 Lane Closure/Shifts and Ramp Closures
Full Closure of Route 1 Southbound
From 9PM to 5AM on the nights of August 13th and 14th Route 1 southbound (towards Boston) will be completely closed where it passes through the Chelsea Viaduct portion of the combined Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project. Southbound traffic will exit Route 1 at the Carter Street off-ramp, turn right onto Carter Street, turn left on Everett Avenue and proceed to the Everett Avenue on-ramp to rejoin Route 1 southbound. During this operation, the northbound lanes of Route 1 will not be impacted. This operation is a necessary preparatory step to an overnight operation on Friday, August 14th to shift the lanes on Route 1 southbound and set up the project’s next work zone.
Lane Shifts
From 9PM on Friday, August 14th to 5AM on Saturday, August 15th roadway configuration changes and southbound lane shifts will take place in the Chelsea Viaduct portion of the combined Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation project. Work will begin after 9PM and finish before 5AM the following day. This operation is weather dependent. If weather conditions are not right on the 14th, the operation will take place overnight on August 17th.
Once the shift is complete, southbound traffic will be split into two lanes with the work zone between them from approximately the top of the Carter Street off-ramp, adjacent to Chelsea High School, to 4th Street, adjacent to the 4th Street northbound off-ramp and the Congregation Agudas Shalom synagogue.
This traffic shift will allow for a continuous work zone throughout the project area and facilitate necessary bridge deck repairs and safety improvements. Following the shift, two southbound lanes will be available on Route 1 during all peak periods. The northbound lanes will be shifted similarly during the week of August 31st and additional information regarding this operation will be provided once it becomes available.
Ramp Closures
CARTER STREET OFF-RAMP: During the day on Thursday, August 13 between 9AM and 4PM the Carter Street off-ramp from Route 1 southbound will be closed. This will allow for demolition at this location to be completed. This will be followed by three, overnight closures lasting from 9PM to 5AM on the nights of Wednesday, August 19, Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21. The three-night closures will allow for the setting of prefabricated bridge units.
Drivers should take care to pay attention to all signage and move carefully through the work zones. Police details, lane markings, temporary barriers, traffic cones, signage, and other tools will be used to control traffic and create safe work zones.
MassDOT will provide additional notices as needed for high-impact work, temporary ramp and street closures, and changes to traffic configurations.
For more information on the Tobin Bridge / Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project, contact Tobin-Chelsea@dot.state.ma.us or visit the project website.
