Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement
September 2024 Construction Update
The Dorchester Avenue Bridge is scheduled to reopen to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists on September 23, 2024. Minor, non-critical construction efforts will wrap up this fall.
We began construction in summer 2022 to prepare for the full replacement of the bridge in summer 2024. The steel bridge, which is located between Von Hillern and Kemp Streets, carries vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists over the Red Line, the Commuter Rail Old Colony Lines, and the Cabot Yard maintenance tracks.
Originally built in 1925 and last rehabilitated in 1975, the bridge has been replaced to protect its structural integrity and ensure reliable service.
The project also includes the rehabilitation of the Von Hillern Street retaining wall to maintain its structural integrity.
- Contract awarded: November 2022
- Construction schedule:
- Fall 2022 – Winter 2023: Retaining wall rehabilitated, utility relocated, tunnel concrete repaired, new bridge foundations installed
- Spring 2024 – Summer 2024: Bridge demolition completed and superstructure replaced
- September 23, 2024: Bridge will reopen to traffic
- Projected completion: Fall 2024
- Budget: Estimated $34.5 million
- Status: Final completion stages
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Project Features
- Replacement of the bridge and the Red Line tunnel roof
- Preservation of the adjacent Von Hillern Street wall
Rider Benefits
- Safer, more resilient, more reliable service on the Red Line
- Reduced future maintenance costs and service impacts
What to Expect During Construction
Service Impacts
No additional ridership service impacts are planned or anticipated.
Neighborhood Impacts
With construction in the final stage of completion, impacts to the community are expected to be minimal. Crews are focused on the bridge reopening to traffic on September 23, 2024.
Less critical work, including final surface restoration, fencing completion, minor utility work, and other finishes, will continue during the weeks following the bridge reopening.
Until the bridge reopens on September 23, vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists should continue to follow the detours currently in place. See the detour maps below.
We appreciate your patience and consideration while we work to complete this critical safety project.
Learn more about the current road closure
Past Events
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to sign up for project updates, please contact DotAveBridge@mbta.com.
Recent Updates
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.