MONTAGUE — After Tuesday, the General Pierce Bridge will be down to a single lane of alternating travel under the control of traffic signals until the bridge is completely rehabilitated.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced the change Thursday, noting that the bridge will be closed to all traffic starting at 6:30 a.m. Monday and continuing through Tuesday for the necessary barriers to be installed. All vehicles will be directed to a detour route during this time.
According to a MassDOT press release, once the new traffic configuration is in place, traffic from Kingsley Avenue in Montague will be restricted from turning left onto the bridge due to the locations of the signals.
“The bridge is being restricted to a single lane of travel to ensure the continued reliability of the structure and minimize overall community impacts,” reads the release from MassDOT Communications Officer Patrick Marvin. “These measures will also ensure the bridge is able to retain the legal load levels of 20, 25 and 36 tons for two-, three-, and five-axle vehicles, respectively.”
Appropriate signage and messaging will be in place to alert drivers of the new configuration, the release states. Those traveling through the area should be mindful of potential delays and consider alternate routes.
The General Pierce Bridge was built in 1947, spans the Connecticut River, and connects Montague City Road in Greenfield to Montague.
MassDOT is continuing to design an upcoming project that will allow the bridge to be restored to full use, according to the release. This project — which is expected to cost $18.3 million — is included in MassDOT’s recently approved Capital Investment Plan for fiscal years 2020 through 2024, and is expected to be advertised for construction bids in 2020 in time for work that summer.