Region – Traffic is soon anticipated to start shifting from the existing Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge and onto the first half of the new replacement bridge. According to Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officials, this shift is dependent on dry weather conditions in order for the pavement to be restriped, therefore may be postponed in the event of precipitation.
The relocation of traffic will be accomplished in two stages. The first stage will shift only the two eastbound lanes onto the new bridge while westbound traffic will remain on the old bridge. Two days will then be needed to modify the westbound lanes, preparing for the remaining traffic shift on the third day. Once all traffic has been moved to the new bridge, traffic conditions will be as they currently are with two eastbound and two westbound lanes maintained during all peak hours. Throughout the traffic shift and once it has been completed, access to all abutting properties and businesses will be maintained.
After the traffic shift has been completed, pedestrians will also be relocated onto the new sidewalk on the south side of the new structure. Pedestrians are reminded that once the old bridge closes, it will become part of the project's work zone and will not offer a safe walkway between Worcester and Shrewsbury.
Demolition of the old bridge will commence after the successful shifting of traffic to the new structure. Demolition is currently anticipated to last roughly four months at which time construction on the other half of the new bridge will begin in the footprint of the original structure. When complete, the new bridge ?will include three lanes in each direction, matching the abutting sections of Route 9.
For more information on the bridge visit http://www.massdotprojectkenburnsbridge.info.