The Tobin Bridge/Chelsea Curves Rehabilitation Project involves construction operations that will affect traffic in the area. MassDOT will issue additional notices as needed regarding high-impact work, temporary closures of ramps and streets, and modifications to traffic patterns beyond what is outlined here.
No Work on July 4
Thursday, July 4 will be a no-work day in observance of Independence Day.
Traffic Impacts
Route 1 Northbound: As drivers approach the Tobin Bridge from Boston, work activity begins in the right lane. During daytime hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m.), 2 of 3 travel lanes will be available, while overnight hours (10 p.m.–5 a.m.) will maintain at least 1 travel lane.
Route 1 Southbound: Approaching the Chelsea Curves from the North Shore, work begins in the right lane near the Carter Street off-ramp. Beyond the Carter Street on-ramp, traffic lanes will shift rightward. Daytime hours (5 a.m.–10 p.m.) will have 2 of 3 lanes open, and overnight hours (10 p.m.–5 a.m.) will have at least 1 lane available.
Ramps: All on- and off-ramps will remain operational during this period.
Local Streets: The temporary reconfiguration on Spruce Street is expected to continue for roughly 2 months.
Preview of Upcoming Traffic Impacts
Fourth Street Off-Ramp: Starting Monday, July 15, this ramp will be closed for 1-2 months to allow for steel repairs, structural rehabilitation, and safety improvements.
Work Hours
Daytime working hours (6 a.m.–2 p.m.) on weekdays will see the majority of work. Additional work will occur during afternoon hours (2 p.m.–7 p.m.), overnight hours (9 p.m.–5 a.m.), and Saturday mornings (6 a.m.–2 p.m.).
Summary of Work Completed
During the two weeks leading up to June 30, crews accomplished traffic shifts to establish continuous work zones, bridge deck forming, concrete curing, steel and joint repairs, dust containment system installation, power washing and excavation around support column footings, and concrete column placement.
Description of Scheduled Work
Route 1 Northbound: Work will include forming bridge deck, placing and curing concrete, and repairing steel, bridge deck, and joints. Concrete curing will use clean water from a hydrant, which may drip from the structure due to existing drainage system conditions. In the right-hand workzone through the Chelsea Curves, crews will remove asphalt and begin bridge deck demolition.
Route 1 Southbound: New deflector plates will be welded and painted.
Underneath the Structures: Work includes steel replacement and painting, continued dust containment system installation, power washing and painting of columns and support beams, excavation, drilling, and grouting around support columns, and concrete column placement.
Travel Tips
Drivers must remain alert to all signage and proceed cautiously through work zones. Police details, lane marking changes, temporary barriers and traffic cones, signage, and other measures will manage traffic and maintain safe work zones throughout the project.
Contractors are working with local event organizers and police to minimize traffic impacts during scheduled events. The following events are planned during this period:
Boston Pops July 4th Fireworks Spectacular (Charles River Esplanade): July 3 at 8:30 p.m., July 4 all day
Red Sox (Fenway Park): June 30 at 10:10 a.m., July 12 at 7:10 p.m., July 13 at 7:15 p.m.