GLX Announces New Schedule for Bridge Closures; Somerville Seeks Resources for Public Safety, Local Businesses

On Monday, January 27, the GLX Project released an updated schedule for bridge closures in Somerville associated with Green Line Extension construction.

Most notably, the revised timeline estimates that the reopenings of all three bridges that are currently closed will be delayed. The Broadway bridge in Ball Square is now expected to open in July 2020, about four months later than anticipated. The Washington Street bridge is now expected to reopen in May 2020, and the Medford Street bridge in October 2020. The School Street bridge has not yet been closed, and the new schedule now shows it and the Medford Street bridge around the corner being closed concurrently for approximately four months in the summer and fall of 2020.

GLX officials still expect the project in full to be completed on time, by the end of 2021.

In his remarks before the MBTA’s Fiscal Management and Control Board this morning, Mayor Curtatone acknowledged that the City of Somerville understands that construction projects of this scope are likely to encounter delays, but he stressed that these extended and overlapping bridge closures will have real impacts on the people and businesses of Somerville and that additional assistance to address those impacts will be needed. 

In response to the delays, the City is now working closely with the MBTA and MassDOT on strategies and resources to mitigate construction impacts, including advocating for assistance with public safety and traffic management, support for local businesses affected by construction, and other measures to address the effects of construction on the community. More information about traffic detours and mitigation efforts will be provided when available. Constituents are encouraged to contact the 24/7 GLX hotline at (855) 459-4636 or info@glxinfo.com with questions or comments.

New GLX Bridge Closure Schedule

• Washington St.: Expected to reopen in May 2020 
• School St.: Expected to close in May 2020 and reopen in June 2021 (the School St. bridge will not close until the Washington St. bridge is reopened)
• Broadway: Expected to reopen in July 2020 
• Medford St.: Expected to reopen in October 2020