Belgrade Avenue Bridge Repairs Advisory

Overnight bridge work to begin soon.

The City of Boston conducts regular proactive maintenance to ensure that our bridges remain safe and functional. As part of this program, we will be making repairs to the Belgrade Ave Bridge that crosses the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks between Centre St and the West Roxbury Parkway.

Overnight work on the substructure of the Belgrade Avenue Bridge in West Roxbury could begin as early as Monday, December 16 contingent on MBTA approval and availability of personnel to manage the railway underneath the bridge during construction. The City of Boston’s team is only being given access to complete the construction repairs during times when trains are not operating, so work is anticipated to be between the hours of 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. For the duration of the project, the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles.

As our contractor will remove portions of the old structure, we expect abutters to occasionally be disrupted by the noise - especially during the demolition portion of the project. We anticipate the loudest noise to occur in the first 3-4 weeks of work. In total, we expect construction repairs to last 6-8 weeks based on the anticipated access granted by the MBTA. We apologize for the disruption caused by this necessary maintenance work.

Residents should call 311 or email publicworks@boston.gov with any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the nature of the work on the Belgrade Ave Bridge?

Repairs need to be made to the concrete substructure of the bridge. Earlier in the year, work was conducted to remove and replace the structure's road surface and beam repairs were also performed.

What are the working hours for the project?

Working hours for the project will be from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. based on anticipated access hours granted by the MBTA.

Why can’t the work be done during the day?

With trains scheduled to run throughout the day, it made any daytime repair work unfeasible. The overnight schedule is for the safety of MBTA passengers and construction personnel.

Why is this work being done now?

Our goal in the City of Boston is to always keep our bridges and other infrastructure in a good state of repair. This project requires coordination between the City and the MBTA to ensure the work being performed is done so in a safe and effective manner. The upcoming work window was identified as the best available time for both agencies.

How long will the repairs take?

In total, we expect all work to be completed in 6 - 8 weeks based on the anticipated access granted by the MBTA. The selective demolition work occurring in the first half of the 6-8 week duration will be the noisiest.

Will local abutters be affected by any noise from the construction repairs?

Yes, at times residents could be affected by loud noise from contractor equipment, especially during the demolition phase.

What steps will be taken to reduce the noise?

The contractor will utilize noise blankets to muffle the noise produced by the construction. However, residents should expect noise from the demolition phase of the project.

Will the roadway remain open during construction?

Yes, Belgrade Avenue will remain open while repairs are made to the bridge. To access and store equipment, our contractor will utilize the parking lane on one side of the bridge.

Is the bridge safe to use today and while repairs are underway?

Yes. The bridge structure is safe today and the work being performed will ensure the bridge will remain safe and functional for many years to come.