Bridge to Nowhere?

For a long time, and likely longer than most would like to remember, the River Street Bridge over Mother Brook (that run down cement bridge by Kelly Field) has been in need of repair or replacement, and has long had a restriction on one side which has been outlined by "Jersey Barriers."

Sometime last night, people on e-distribution for Police District E-18 got a message from CitizenObserver.Com (the BPD's e-blast service) announcing the bridge would close to traffic in one direction starting this coming Monday, July 28 in order to perform repairs.

Traffic will only be allowed southbound toward Dedham. People traveling in the other direction will have to seek an alternative route.

The project, according to the message will last from 8 to 10 months.

Now, this will be a welcome thing for many people who travel that bridge with regularity, but what about the bus?

MBTA Route #33 (Mattapan-Dedham Line) uses that bridge, or at least the map says they do. The closure will cut off the last leg of the bus route and its service to the area bounded by River St, West Milton St, and Readville St.

Interestingly enough when I called the MBTA today (July 24) to get data on their detour plans, customer service didn't know about this and had no information to share out. And as of noontime, there was still nothing at their web site.

Indeed this repair - likely emergency in nature - is unknown to a lot of people, save for those handful that may be on e-distribution from the police department.

Should prove to be an interesting Monday commute.

As to those planning to get to work or anyplace else by bus, it will be the proverbial crap shoot.

Happy motoring!