Details for the Gilman Street Bridge project were discussed at a design public hearing on April 25.

By Harry Kane

The Gilman Street Bridge will undergo construction next year, but some people are concerned that the reconstruction process will be detrimental to the flow of traffic and the parking for residents in the vicinity.

The Gilman Street Bridge is the three span bridge bringing Route 28 above Gilman Street. According to the MassDot proposal, the existing three span McGrath highway bridge will be replaced with a one span bridge.

Tentative dates for the initial work to begin according to MassDot would be in January of 2013. The project, under its current plan, would be constructed in up to 18 months, from that initial starting date. The preliminary estimate for construction is $6,700,000.

Ward 1 Alderman Roche was concerned about the traffic management and parking for residents in the four-block construction zone, stretching from Auburn St. to Delaware St.

“In no means do I want to delay the project; it’s long overdue,” said Roche.

In terms of construction during that time frame, “There’s an awful lot going on,” said Roche. “Cut that down to two lanes, it’s going to be gridlock.”

Roche’s concern about the gridlock resonated with constituents and residents of Ward 1.

The Gilman Street Bridge was built in 1908. Now, just over 100 years later, the bridge will undergo a 3-stage construction process, said John J. Maidrand, senior associate at Green International Affiliates, Inc., a civil and structural engineer company.

According to the proposed plan, one lane will be closed in each direction during each stage of the construction; two lanes will remain open on each side.

Attempts for mitigating traffic will include: “signal timing adjustments, traffic diversions to alternate routes, traffic monitoring and refining, coordination with adjacent construction projects and variable message signs,” according to the MassDot proposal.

Due to the construction that will be happening on Broadway during the same time, as well as the raising of the Cross Street Bridge, which will closed down for one year, residents were concerned with the timing of the project.

Project Manager at MassDot, Steve McLaughlin, said,  “staged construction may delay Gilman until Cross St. is done.”

Residents were upset after hearing about restricted parking rules associated with the 18-month project. Abigal Coyle, a nearby resident, said, “Parking is a giant concern.”

Ward 1 Community Police Officer Stiles recommended that parking be allowed on both sides of the street.

“Where are these people going to park their cars?” said Stiles. “You gotta give these people some reprieve down there. You’re talking about a great disadvantage to the people living there.”

The project is currently at a 25 percent design level, according to the MassDot proposal. The design public hearing was held on April 25 and community input is allowed for up to 10 days from the hearing date. Contact Tracy Osimboni at Tracy.Osimboni@State.ma.us if you would like your comments included in the official hearing transcript.