The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MASS DOT) will fully replace two bridges in the Town of Chelmsford. These include Westford Street over I-495 in Chelmsford and Route 3A (Gorham Street) over I-495 on the Chelmsford/Lowell line.
In preparation of Phase I detours, the project contractor will begin mobilizing to the bridge sites for early action work.
During the months of April and May, residents and the traveling public may see test pit digging, utility relocation work, and erosion control measure implementation at both the Westford Street and Gorham Street Bridge.
In addition, a temporary traffic signal will be installed in May at the intersection of Carlisle Street, Boston Road and Manning Road in anticipation of the Gorham Street detour. Work hours for these activities will be performed weekdays from 7 AM to 3 PM, and will require occasional lane closures.
As part of the mobilization process, the project contractor will also complete overnight work on 495, which will require lane closures underneath each bridge. Police details will be present to facilitate this change.
Phase I construction is anticipated to begin in late June 2025. During Phase I, each bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic for 12 – 18 months. Pedestrian access will be maintained across each bridge during these closures, and bicyclist access will be maintained for Westford Street during the closure. A local detour route will be implemented at each bridge for all vehicles. When Phase I is completed, the bridges will reopen to all traffic.
For more information on the project and to sign up for advisories and notices, please visit the website at:
www.mass.gov/info-details/about-the-chelmsford-lowell-bridge-bundle-replacement-project.
For questions or to report issues related to construction, please
contact ChelmsfordLowellBridges@dot.state.ma.us.
MassDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays. Those traveling through the area should expect delays and should reduce speed.
