Work supports the Green Line Extension with the rehabilitated Viaduct carrying Green Line trains in 2021
The MBTA announced today that it will begin implementing partial road closures beginning Monday, July 27, to support rehabilitation work on the Lechmere Viaduct in East Cambridge over Museum Way, which is now under construction between the Gilmore Bridge and Science Park Station along Monsignor O’Brien Highway.
The Lechmere (East Cambridge) Viaduct carries Green Line trains from Lechmere across the Charles River into downtown Boston. With bridge first beginning to carry streetcars in June 1912, the bridge was closed in May 2020 for eleven months while the MBTA rehabilitates and replaces track on the historic, concrete arched structure. The upgrades will allow more trains to pass over the bridge, ultimately serving a completely new Lechmere Station and the new stations constructed as part of the Green Line Extension.
Setup operations for the partial closure of Museum Way will occur daily starting Monday, July 27, as required Monday through Friday. Museum Way traffic heading east from Monsignor O’Brien Highway will be maintained and Museum Way Traffic heading west will follow traffic detours starting at Education Street to access Monsignor O’Brien Highway at East Street. Construction activities such as temporary access platform installation and structural repair work are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Traffic detours for motor vehicles will be in place for Museum Way westbound starting at Education Street. Bicyclists traveling on Museum Way in either direction should follow the posted signage. Pedestrians are advised to also follow posted signs with Pedestrian Bypass Routes in place along Museum Way that are coordinated with the work zones and access to Museum Way and North Point Park maintained at all times.
· Vehicular Detour Routes: Motorists to follow posted signs.
· Pedestrian Bypass Routes: Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Pedestrians should follow posted signs for access to Museum Way and North Point Park.
· Bicycle Routes: Bicycle access will be maintained at all times. Follow/abide by posted signs for access to Museum Way.
When this segment of the Viaduct/station work is complete, Green Line service will be restored from North Station to the new Lechmere Station.