Construction of the new vertical lift Chelsea Street Bridge moves into later stages in fall 2011 with the upcoming installation of the new lift structures.
To allow for the final work on this historic $125 million MassDOT project, the Chelsea Street Bridge over Chelsea Creek at the Boston/Chelsea line is closed until December 1 with detours in place.
In the views at left, the new lift spans are in position to be launched.
The Chelsea Street Bridge project involves the replacement of a truss-type structure that spans 450 feet and will provide 175 feet of vertical clearance when raised.
The launching of the components of the new lift span is scheduled to occur over several days in late September.
The navigable channel below will be closed to marine traffic during this operation.
The new bridge will provide for four lanes of traffic two pedestrian sidewalks.
The project is scheduled to be completed in spring 2012.
does anyone know what weight limit the bridge will have
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The bridge will be open to vehicles that do not exceed the statutory, legal loads for public roadways. Similar to any other overweight load, it would be subject to an individual permit that was based on a structural review of the load, the transport vehicle and the bridge capacity. Overload permits are issued through Highway Operations.
Posted by: john ramsdell | May 02, 2012 at 07:34 PM
Will the CHELSEA St bridge be open to heavy trucks?
Overweight permitted commercial trucks?
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The bridge will be open to vehicles that do not exceed the statutory, legal loads for public roadways. Similar to any other overweight load, it would be subject to an individual permit that was based on a structural review of the load, the transport vehicle and the bridge capacity. Overload permits are issued through Highway Operations.
Posted by: brian page | May 02, 2012 at 03:24 AM
I have talked this morning with a worker on the bridge and he says that the bridge will not open to traffic until sometime in late summer. Evidently there are alignment problems that have to be repaired. I am curious why this web site has been saying the bridge would open to traffic in late April when the site must have known this. This is a good example of our tax dollars going to waste.
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Thanks for the comment. Here is the correct information.
The new bridge carrying Chelsea Street over the Chelsea Creek at the Boston/Chelsea line is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Saturday, May 12.
Construction crews are completing the last of the major work items necessary to allow the opening of the new bridge. On March 15th, MassDOT projected the bridge would be ready for reopening in late April. As final work continued, crews encountered unforeseen conditions associated with the complex underwater operations. In addition, the schedule for the related channel dredging work being completed by the Army Corp of Engineers was delayed by the need to remove an abandoned sewer line beneath the bottom of the channel.
Final work items will continue after the bridge is opened to traffic on May 12, requiring overnight closures during May and early June that will not affect weekday commuter traffic. Additional work will be completed during the day after the morning commute with at least one lane of traffic open in each direction.
The historic $125.3 million project will improve the efficiency and operation of the bridge for vehicle traffic and for critical maritime vessels to safely navigate the channel.
MassDOT appreciates the continued patience that those affected by the closure of the bridge and the construction activities have shown throughout the duration of the project.
Posted by: Eric Holden | April 30, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Today is the last day of April, so what time will the bridge be open to traffic? What is the reason for the total lack of communication on this project? I have contacted my State rep. and suggest that others do as well.
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Thanks for the comment.Here is the opening announcement.
The new bridge carrying Chelsea Street over the Chelsea Creek at the Boston/Chelsea line is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Saturday, May 12.
Construction crews are completing the last of the major work items necessary to allow the opening of the new bridge. On March 15th, MassDOT projected the bridge would be ready for reopening in late April. As final work continued, crews encountered unforeseen conditions associated with the complex underwater operations. In addition, the schedule for the related channel dredging work being completed by the Army Corp of Engineers was delayed by the need to remove an abandoned sewer line beneath the bottom of the channel.
Final work items will continue after the bridge is opened to traffic on May 12, requiring overnight closures during May and early June that will not affect weekday commuter traffic. Additional work will be completed during the day after the morning commute with at least one lane of traffic open in each direction.
The historic $125.3 million project will improve the efficiency and operation of the bridge for vehicle traffic and for critical maritime vessels to safely navigate the channel.
MassDOT appreciates the continued patience that those affected by the closure of the bridge and the construction activities have shown throughout the duration of the project.
Posted by: Stephen Dean | April 30, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Well, now there are two (2) working days left in April and no word on when the bridge will open to vehicles. Again, the latest proposed opening date is NOT MET. I wonder what will be the new date and what excuse will be given???
Posted by: Adam Foley | April 26, 2012 at 11:18 AM
Well, there are TWO (2) weeks left in April, and you, and this web site have said that the bridge would open in late April and that there would be signs posted well in advance to notify motorists. With two weeks left in April and NO signs, give us a new date for the opening.
I used to use "PreFlight Airport Parking" on Eastern Ave in Chelsea to park my auto while I travel (every other week)and because I missed my flight on 3 consecutive weeks because of the detours and traffic problems, I have been parking at Central Parking at Logan. The difference in fees is about $75.00 per week. The difference since the scheduled opening of the bridge (Dec. 1st) is over $800.00 and continueing.
Posted by: Albert Carew | April 17, 2012 at 12:21 PM
On February 16th you responded to Stephen Dean saying you would update the project status. To date, you have not done this. This is a good example of "lack of communication". I work at Logan and this project adds at least 1 and 1/2 hours to my commute.
Keep the people informed.
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Thanks. Actually, it is correct that we have done follow up informational posts on this since this 2011 post to which you added your comment. The most recent in text and link is below, including an expected opening in late April.
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2012/03/chelsea-street-bridge-final-work.html
Chelsea Street Bridge Final Work
March 15, 2012
Construction crews are in the final phase of work in the Chelsea Street bridge replacement project. The bridge was closed to traffic in June 2011 to allow crews to demolish the existing bridge and install the remaining portions of the new bridge.
The $125.3 million project will improve the efficiency and operation of the bridge for vehicle traffic while significantly enhancing safe navigation of the Chelsea River channel by maritime vessels.
Recent work includes removing the existing piers and protective fender system and installing the new bridge joints and safety barrier. MassDOT expanded the work to construct new bulkheads on the sides of the channel to prepare the area for the Army Corp of Engineers to widen the channel.
The work taking place requires coordination with the use of the channel by the vessels that supply a significant portion of heating oil, gasoline and jet fuel throughout New England.
The current work must be completed while the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. To minimize impacts, MassDOT and project stakeholders extended the closure of the bridge so that the work could occur on a continuous basis. Crews are working double shifts, seven days a week.
The new bridge is expected to be ready to reopen to vehicular traffic in late April.
Posted by: Elliott Carbuckle | April 12, 2012 at 10:02 AM
I talked to one of the employees at the site, and he said that the bridge does not line up properly when closed and that the bridge would not open for vehicle traffic until sometime late summer. Can you elaborate on this with facts.
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Thanks for the question. The bridge is properly aligned. Construction crews are proceeding with the final phase of bridge work . In the last three months, the contractor has worked on removing the existing piers and protective fender system and installing the new bridge joints and safety barrier. The current work must be completed while the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic.
MassDOT projects the new bridge will be ready to reopen to vehicular traffic in late April, depending on any unforeseen conditions involving the remaining underwater operations. An exact opening date for traffic will be announced in advance.
Posted by: Harry O. | March 14, 2012 at 10:56 AM
I understand that the bridge is maintained and operated by the City of Boston will the City continue to operate it? If not who will be responsible for the bridge.
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Responsibility for operation and maintenance of the bridge is currently under discussion between MassDOT and the City.
Posted by: RJ Morrison | March 09, 2012 at 07:15 PM
Thank you for the information, that's all most people are looking for so we know whats going on. Maybe you could put out a detailed update on this blog every couple of weeks so we all know the status. Thanks again.
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Thanks, and will do an update soon on project status.
Posted by: Stephen Dean | February 16, 2012 at 03:10 PM
Why is there no communication beyond "Spring 2012", that is in 5 weeks. It was supossed to open December 1st and we have never been told why it didnt. If there is going to be a further delay why not just tell everyone. As a taxpayer I would like to know what the contract says about the completion date. Isn't this public information? Do I have to send a letter to my State Representative or the press to get this info?
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Thanks for the comments. The project completion and bridge reopening remains scheduled for spring 2012. Work proceeds on several fronts at the site. There is significant remaining work related to channel dredging required in the bridge area. A current estimate only for traffic reopening is late April (spring 2012) but will be communicated in advance when a reopening date is finalized.
In terms of public information, project managers work closely with local community leaders and the media on updated information about the status of all projects. Each of MassDOT's hundreds of projects include overviews posted on our website, updated as necessary, searchable by community and including information about the project details, cost, and timeline. The Chelsea Street brief is copied below and available on the web at: http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/projectsRoot&sid=wrapper&iid=http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/ProjectInfo/
BOSTON- BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, B-16-020=C-09-004, CHELSEA STREET OVER THE CHELSEA RIVER
The proposed vertical lift bridge will be a truss type structure that spans 450 feet from bank to bank and will provide 175 feet of vertical clearance in the raised position. The bridge and approach roadway match the footprint of the existing bridge and will provide for four lanes of traffic (two in each direction) and two pedestrian sidewalks. Approach roadways will be reconstructed as needed to meet the existing local streets. A complete warning signal and gate system will be provided at the approach roadways. The warning gate and bridge traffic signal operations will be interconnected with the Central Avenue/Marginal Street/Eastern Avenue intersection in Chelsea to provide for continuous traffic operations in the intersection during bridge openings.
Location: City of Boston
Construction Begins: Autumn 2008
Construction Ends: Spring 2012
Resident Engineer: Brian Zilinsky
Construction Contract Value: $125,339,155.00
Construction Bid Price: $112,728,287.00
Initial Construction Estimate: $94,102,550.00
Funding Provision: This project is planned to be funded through the 2012 Transportation Improvement Program for the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization.
MassHighway District: District 4
Current Status: Bridge truss has been launched across the Chelsea Creek and attached to lifting ropes and Towers.
Posted by: Stephen Dean | February 15, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Is there any news on the opening of the bridge? The weather has been conducive to working, but there does not seem to be any progress, so that excuse can not be used. The schedule has not been met (vehicle traffic Dec 1st, project complete spring 2012). There is very little communication, if any.
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Project completion remains "spring 2012" and will communicate an opening date as soon as it is known.
Posted by: Bill Mcc | February 14, 2012 at 09:56 AM
Spring is March 20 so will the bridge be open then? I heard it wasn't going to be open until April? Does anyone have any idea when it is going to be done!
Posted by: Marie | January 18, 2012 at 01:50 PM
Originally the bridge was to open for traffic in December according to the information given out to airport employees. Do you have a better time frame other than Spring 2012 which could be June when the bridge will be open for vehicles? Is there a completion date requirement in the contract? To all of us who work at the airport the bridge being closed adds 20 minutes each way to our commute and sometimes longer. Thanks.
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No further updates on exact opening date: Spring 2012.
Posted by: Stephen | January 11, 2012 at 02:58 PM
Has any progress been made as to when the bridge will be open to traffic?
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No exact opening date has been announced. Spring 2012, and will provide public notice, of course.
Posted by: Marie | January 04, 2012 at 01:50 PM
Can someone tell me if after the bridge has completed/opened if both Chelsea Street in East boston and Marginal Street in Chelsea will have a fresh coat of pavement after the crossings, since the roads currently are in bad condition (but at least not as bad as Everett's Beachem Street) ???
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The current plans call for paving on Marginal Street in Chelsea at the intersection (Chelsea St/Marginal Street/Eastern Ave). The new paving will meet the limits of the recently completed Eastern Avenue project on the Eastern Avenue side. On the Marginal Street side of the intersection, we currently plan to pave as far as the end of the median island. Other paving improvements in the area may occur separately in working with the City.
Posted by: C Scarpa | December 13, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Just because the bridge looks done, doesn't necessarily mean it's complete. The infrastucture is there. It goes up and down, but it still needs to be tested, accepted, etc. Nothing worse than a bridge closing on a 100 million dollar tanker and damaging it because somebody said "let's just hurry up and get it open. There's street lights, channel lights, iron guard rails so people don't fall in when they "have to be the first one across the bridge" when it reopens.
I worked there and I am very proud to have been part of it. I would go back to work there in a heartbeat if asked. It's an amazing structure and was a very interesting project. I do feel for the people stuck in traffic and I was that person many times mumbling things under my breath about the bridge being open (or closed depending which bridge you're at), but I realized you can't second guess everybody. The bridge operator, the construction team, etc. I realized that I can't do it better than everybody else and I should just let them do their jobs. If I could, I wouldn't be on this board right now. I'd be freezing my butt off in a cold north wind earning a good days pay. Ken W
Posted by: Ken W | December 12, 2011 at 11:44 PM
I read in the Chelsea Record that the bridge would not be
open for traffic until sometime in March! Now that is a long
time for the bridge to closed. It is all done does anyone
what is the problem?
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The vehicle opening date has yet to be determined. Work continues and total project completion is scheduled for spring 2012. The bridge reopening will depend on weather conditions and other work-related factors. Opening will be announced and posted here and on-site.
Posted by: Laura | December 08, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Did I not read that the bridge would be closed until December 1st and the project completed in the spring of 2012? Well it is now December 6th and it does not appear that it will open for a long time!
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The work continues and the bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic. Total project completion is spring 2012. The bridge will reopen in that time frame, depending on weather conditions and other work-related factors. Opening will be announced and posted here and on-site.
Posted by: Bill M | December 06, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Anybody know if the bridge opened to traffic today?
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No. The overall project is on schedule for spring 2012 completion. Exact date for reopening to road traffic will be prior to that but subject to schedules and weather, and will be announced and posted on message boards in advance.
Posted by: Bill F | December 01, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Is there an expected date for the brdige to open for traffic?
I see it is open again for the ships but however there is no
word on traffic!
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Yes, it has opened for ship traffic. The overall project is on schedule for spring 2012 completion. Exact date for reopening to road traffic will be prior to that but subject to schedules and weather, and will be announced and posted on message boards in advance.
Posted by: Marie | November 29, 2011 at 01:52 PM
The new Chelsea Street Bridge is amazing. During the past few weekends my husband and I would occassionally drive by and see the progresss of the movement of the platforms. We would scratch our heads in amazement as we couldn't fathom how they moved them. Very carefully! I saw the bridge in the up position on Saturday, it's just phenomenal. Who designed it?
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HNTB Corporation from Boston.
Posted by: Karen Verrill | November 22, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Look up people ...the bridge went up at 2:33pm on Saturday, November 19, 2011 to resume boat traffic.
Posted by: Mrs. Ironworker | November 20, 2011 at 10:28 AM
To all posters:
I am the wife of an extremely hard working 30+ year Ironworker who has been diligently building this bridge for almost 2 years. Let me set the record straight on a few things:
1. These Ironworker's WORK everyday no matter how hot, how cold,how much rain and wind there is, and no matter how high they have to go to complete the project. They don't get sick days, vacation days or holiday pay.
2. They work extremely LONG days, double shifts, through the night, on weekends and most holidays while most everyone else is sleeping and spending time with their families! And before you try to say "well, they make a ton of money" the more they make the more the IRS takes and no money is enough money to replace any one of these guys lives!!
3. Most of them start a commute between 4 and 5 am and have another 1 1/2 hours commute home. So, on top of working a 12 to 15 hour shift they drive from 3-4 hours round-trip each day as well. For the better part of 2011 these Ironworker's have been working day shifts and night shifts, and the past month practically around the clock straight to keep on schedule and get the bridge across the water.
4. This bridge is EXTREMELY HEAVY. One section alone is 840 TONS and there are 2 sections now molded together making it very, very heavy and requiring preciseness to "push it" to extend from one side to the other without nose diving it into the water. This is a very complicated engineered type of project. If it isn't done correctly there could be injuries, accidents and fatalities.
5. The state of MA as well as the City of Boston have known from the very beginning how long it would take to build, erect, demolish the old bridge, install the new one, connect, raise, finish, re-pave, etc. and have communicated this as well as updates to the public via several outlets. The channel's width is also being doubled to accommodate boat deliveries, etc.
I understand traffic, delays, re-routing and change in generally is frustrating but when you are having this frustration and anxiety while sitting in traffic or being delayed because the Meridien bridge is open for boats, please stop a moment and think of how dangerous the job of an Ironworker is and without them your office buildings, bridges, hospitals, schools and any other structures that require a steel frame to begin with wouldn't exist.
It is so easy to complain but not so easy to have some patience and understanding. The bridge will be up in the air very, very soon allowing boat traffic to resume and then regular traffic will resume sometime in December 2011 but all aspects will not be fully completed until around Spring 2012. As mentioned several times in previous posts, weather can cause slow downs but rest assure the workers still work regardless of the weather they just cannot work as quickly and efficiently during some storms.
I hope this helps you all understand a little better.
Posted by: Mrs. Ironworker | November 19, 2011 at 01:19 AM
Dear Bill,
I comlitly understand you frustraion. It seems to me that the Boston Police on the other end of the bridge (by the moble station) are far more diligent.
Deano Dean
Posted by: Deano Dean | November 17, 2011 at 11:43 AM
i have heard the two pieces of this bridge are7 inches off from each other how much of a delay will this cause
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No change in status. Work is in final stages. Final completion remains on schedule for spring 2012. Exact date for reopening to traffic will be prior to that but subject to schedules and weather, and will be announced and posted on message boards in advance.
Posted by: joey | November 15, 2011 at 06:30 PM
So am I to understand that the bridge is opening on December 20!
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As work proceeds, no final decision has been made on a date of opening for traffic, dependent on work schedules and weather.
Posted by: Marie | November 09, 2011 at 11:29 AM
The bridge is not part of Massport - it's being done by the State, and latest news I have shows they're opening on December 20th.
Posted by: Lex | November 08, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I can understand the many problems with meeting a scheduled completion date, but I have a problem with the traffic on Pearl St., Marginal St. and the Meridian St. Bridge, especially on the Chelsea side. Who is responsible for the traffic flow? Is it the contractor or is it the city? If it is the contractor, he is wasting his money paying for a police detail because the Chelsea Police do nothing but talk on their phones or talk to the people in the auto body repair shop. If it is the city, then the tax payers are wasting their money paying for this detail. But I guess this is wasteful spending as usual.
Posted by: Bill McCaully | November 04, 2011 at 04:22 PM
What's the deal with this project. It appears no work is being done on the bridge. I'm hearing that it's scheduled to be open for traffic in December. It's early November and it looks just like it did a month ago!
Is this another Massport make-work project with no end-date but a massive multi-billion dollar budget?
My commute home is at least an hour additional going home and at least 30 additional coming into work.
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Work is in final stages. The "end-date" remains on schedule for spring 2012. Exact date for reopening to traffic is expected to be prior to that but subject to schedules and weather, and will be announced and posted on message boards in advance.
Posted by: Neil | November 04, 2011 at 01:27 PM
When is the bridge going to be open? I heard December 1, 2011 and this bridge being closed adds 45 minutes to my commute. Everyone you ask tells you ask someone else you cannot get a straight answer! Now with the cold coming I am desperate!
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Thanks for the comment and question, Marie, appreciate your patience on this major project. Work is in final stages and ongoing. Total project completion is scheduled for spring 2012. Exact date for reopening to traffic is expected to be prior to that but subject to schedules and weather. We will announce and post signs in advance of the opening.
Posted by: Marie | November 03, 2011 at 02:45 PM
The highway signs state the bridge is to be closed till 12/01/11 this article states spring of 2012. Which is correct. this project adds 30 minutes to my commute each day. The rumor mill says one of the spans is damaged and will cause a long delay. I hope it's only a rumor
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Thanks. The dates are two separate issues. The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in December, but "spring of 2012" as stated above refers to completion of all aspects of the project. Highway signage in the area will provide up to date information about the traffic opening.
Posted by: Bill | September 19, 2011 at 01:35 PM
What exact day is the move expected to begin?
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Scheduled for late September but the exact date is yet to be determined.
Posted by: Matthew | September 07, 2011 at 03:20 PM