Previous updates on the Winter Street Bridge:

As of today, August 15, 2007, Mass Highway has opened the new southbound lane at the Winter Street Bridge.  This is significant, as it not only has eliminated the steep incline and sharp curve that existed onthe temporary ramp, it will also make way for the old ramp to be prepared to be connected to the new temporary bridge.  Here are some pictures taken this morning:

New Southbound ramp.   As you can see here, the new ramp has permanently installed guardrails adjacent to the Bertucci's parking lot.

This new ramp is significantly higher than the old ramp.  The height change will enable the new bridge, and ultimately the final bridge, to be higher than the existing bridge.  You can see the height difference here.   You can also see that the new ramp is longer than the old ramp, thereby once again reducing the merge space at the end of the ramps.

Because of this reduced merge area, it is strongly suggested that drivers on the left-hand side of the bridge whose destination is the Bertucci's plaza not attempt to cross four lanes of traffic (there's simply not enough merge space).  Instead, it is recommended that you stay in the left-hand lane and go around the retention pond, bearing left at the lights so you can safely cross Winter Street to access the Plaza.

Once again, a view of the new ramp taken from the west.

We would like to once again remind you that extra police presence continues on the bridge for the safety of construction workers and to stop people from running red lights.  PLEASE HELP US REDUCE TRAFFIC BACKUPS BY ASKING PEOPLE NOT TO RUN THE RED LIGHTS.  If Police are issuing citations, congestion will increase as they stop vehicles on Winter Street to give offenders tickets.  Clearly, NOT running the red lights will help alleviate this situation.  Thank You.

Previously published reports:

Here's a link to an article that was printed in the Waltham News Tribune on July 27, 2007 about progress on the Bridge.  More pics coming soon!

http://www.dailynewstribune.com/homepage/x969240687

Significant progress has been made on the Winter Street Bridge Project in recent weeks.  McCourt Construction has been working diligently to prepare the site for the installation of the temporary bridge.  New retaining walls, a new off-ramp from Route 128 South, and major  work on the soil-nail wall on Route 128 Northbound to prepare for the new collector-distributor road and northbound offramp are nearing completion.  A full set of photos of the site (as of 7/7/07) is available here.   Here are a few:

New Southbound Ramp (not yet completed)

New Retaining Wall at Bertucci's Plaza

New Merge from temporary bridge (not yet completed)

McCourt Construction is now on board and is currently working to prepare the construction site for the installation of the temporary bridge.  (4/23/07).

Construction plans for the Winter Street Bridge continue to unfold.  As of today, several priority items have been identified that will be completed by BRIDGES Construction Co. in anticipation of McCourt Construction taking over the project:  These include:

• Remove and reset the highway camera currently located on the north side of the existing Winter Street bridge.  This camera needs to be moved for the installation of the temporary bridge and the construction of the expanded Winter Street Bridge. 
• Construct a new water main to service the Plaza located at the northwest corner of Winter Street and Route 128.
• Install new "high mast lighting" structure of the east side of the bridge.  This new lighting will provide illumination of the interchange where lighting was lost due to utility relocation.
• Continue to work on the soil-nail wall to stabilize and complete construction that was begun last year.
• Finish all utility relocation by March 1 so that the installation of the temporary bridge can take place without delay.
• McCourt Construction will inform MassHighway of the exact date of full take-over of the project from BRIDGES Constructions ASAP.   Until that date has been established, BRIDGES will be responsible for emergency repairs and upkeep of the project.

Check back here for updates as they become available.