The long-awaited first segment of the North Washington Street Bridge in Boston has officially opened, providing a new connection between the North End and Charlestown. According to NBC Boston, all traffic began to use the freshly inaugurated bridge this past Saturday, marking a significant milestone in a project that has been hindered by numerous setbacks.
The transition marks a major relief in overcoming the previous hurdles that strained travel in the area. The movement of both drivers and pedestrians has been shifted to the eastern side of the bridge. This change is part of a broader infrastructure update that MassDOT aims to fully complete by early 2025, according to details found on Mass.gov. However, come Monday, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will quickly have to start to demolish the now-outdated temporary bridge that facilitated travel during construction.
In a statement obtained by NBC Boston, local parent Katy Fleming expressed the community's sentiment, saying, "The anxiety is unreal," highlighting the treacherous conditions children faced crossing amidst busy traffic. The completion of the bridge's first phase brings much-needed safety improvements for pedestrians in an area known for its problematic merging points, causing extensive traffic backups and blockages.
The commencement of the bridge's next phase begins with the dismantling of the structure that provided temporary passage. The move is set to expedite the remaining construction. WHDH reports that with all vehicle and pedestrian traffic having been moved, MassDOT can now proceed to take down the former bridge to make way for the continued rejuvenation of this vital Boston thoroughfare.
