🚜 The work will require temporary traffic shifts and extended closures of the canal to marine traffic during the repairs. These repairs are necessary to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the bridge.
🚧 Repair work will proceed in two stages. Throughout both stages, Western Avenue will be alternating one-way traffic across the bridge, managed by temporary traffic signals.
➡️ Stage one will begin the night of Tuesday, January 6, with a work zone established on the westbound side of the bridge. Pedestrians will be detoured to the eastbound sidewalk. During this stage, scheduled drawbridge openings for marine traffic are anticipated on select workdays at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Vessels are advised to coordinate crossings at these times with the bridge operator at least 24 hours in advance.
➡️ Stage two, anticipated to begin in mid-February, will shift the work zone to the eastbound side of the bridge and redirect pedestrians to the westbound sidewalk. In stage 2, work will occur across the center span, preventing drawbridge operation and requiring a full closure of the canal to marine traffic. A continuous full canal closure is anticipated to last approximately four weeks, from mid-February through mid-March. This closure has been coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Gloucester Harbormaster and is scheduled during a low-use period of the year.
⏰ Work will occur seven days per week, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., during both stages.
🚗 Advanced signage for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists will be posted from west of Essex Avenue to east of Centennial Avenue. Parking will be prohibited adjacent to work zones between the bridge and Essex Avenue. Additional details regarding impacts to traffic and marine vessels will be announced in advance as required.
⚠️ Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
📆The schedule for this work is weather‑dependent and subject to change without notice.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
💻 Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit http://www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
☎️Contact the project team via email at BlynmanBridge@dot.state.ma.us and through a 24/7 phone hotline number: (978) 792-3099.
Good Morning Gloucester 