MONTAGUE — Until further notice, residents in the eastern part of the county should expect a longer commute into Greenfield.
There will be one lane of alternating traffic on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the General Pierce Bridge while shoring work is done, according to Patrick Marvin, communications officer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
Marvin said to expect further work later in the week, with details to follow on Wednesday. This work will include the installation of barriers and traffic signals, which will allow for two-way alternating travel.
“These will allow the bridge to be open at the same load capacity it currently has,” Marvin said. “This will ensure continued use and reliability.”
These barriers and traffic signals will remain in place “while the design for MassDOT’s repair project is advancing,” Marvin said.
This repair project, slated to begin in the summer of 2020, is an estimated $18.3 million and will rehabilitate the bridge.
The General Pierce Bridge was built in 1947, spans the Connecticut River, and connects Montague City Road in Greenfield to Montague.
“Based on the recent bridge report rating, the bridge is safe for travel and open for use,” Marvin said.
The bridge was closed in May for a week to all traffic for repairs and inspection. According to MassDOT, the bridge is limited to 20 tons for two-axle vehicles, 25 tons for three-axle vehicles and 36 tons for five-axle vehicles.
Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.