Upfront work is projected to shorten duration of full-time bridge closure by up to two months; additional mitigation efforts planned for residents and businesses

In an effort to continue advancing progress on the project to extend the Green Line into Somerville and Medford, and in consideration of the unique geographic circumstances surrounding Somerville High School, Medford Street Bridge, and School Street Bridge, the School Street Bridge, in Gilman Square near Somerville City Hall, will close on weekends, effective this weekend, starting Friday night, March 13. While the bridge is scheduled to close on a full-time basis in May, these additional weekend closures are expected to reduce the overall schedule for reconstruction of School Street by approximately two months.

Additionally, to take advantage of a traditional decrease in vehicular travel, the School Street Bridge will also close for the week of school vacation, which is April 20 through April 24.

When the bridge is closed, southbound motorists on School Street will be diverted east or west onto Medford Street. The School Street pedestrian bridge between Medford Street and Highland Avenue will remain open and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists during these closures. Detour maps and directions are available at SomervilleMA.gov/GLX in the “Bridge Closures & Detours” section. These detours will be modified slightly prior to the full-time School St. bridge closure in May. Further information will be provided closer to that date.

This series of short-term closures is intended to reduce the longer-term impacts for the Somerville community under the original schedule. As a result of this new construction sequence, the School Street Bridge is anticipated to reopen in April 2021, a full two months ahead of schedule.

The City and the MBTA have also worked closely over recent weeks to explore additional construction mitigation for local residents and businesses. Several measures will be implemented this spring, including:

·       Continued support for the City’s first responders in construction-affected areas;

·       GLX Constructors, the MBTA’s design-build entity delivering GLX, will fund student passes for the months of May and June, as well as September and October of the following school year, for students who attend Somerville High School;

·       Additional replacement parking for City and High School staff at the site of the former Homans building;

·       A continuation of shuttle service for residents impacted by bridge closures; and

·       A commitment by the GLX Constructors to support future two community events in Ball and Magoun square.

For additional information about the Green Line Extension, visit mass.gov/GLX.

To learn how to stay informed about construction in Somerville, visit SomervilleMA.gov/construction.

Anyone seeking assistance for an urgent Green Line construction-related matter should call the 24/7 GLX hotline at 1-855-GLX-INFO (459-4636) or email info@glxinfo.com.