Why the Old Stow Road Bridge Will Be Closed Though Dec. 1

The Old Stow Bridge closed Friday and the detour will continue through Dec. 1 in conjunction with the railroad improvement project that has kept the Commuter Rail closed on weekends since last month.

According to a notice from Concord Public Works, this revised schedule allows for the Mass Bay Commuter Rail to begin bridge repair work now in hopes of mitigate disturbances expected during construction next spring.

“MassDOT feels that it will be far less disturbing than the overnight shifts that were originally anticipated for next season,” CPW explained in a press release. “By starting the work this fall and working longer daytime shifts, MassDOT is also hoping to reduce the need for overnight work shifts next Spring. After Dec. 1, the detour will be removed and the bridge will be opened to traffic until work resumes in Spring 2014.”

This particular project—Stow Road Bridge repairs—was not supposed to start until next spring, according to a notice from MassDOT's Highway Division. But the MBCR encouraged beginning the bridge repair work now on the weekends as springtime closures cannot be guaranteed.

After Dec. 1, the detour will be removed the and the bridge reopened to traffic until work there resumes as planned next spring, according to MassDOT.

Anticipated hours of operation for the bridge repair work will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30am to 4:30pm. This repair work may generate some construction related noise for local residents.

If you have any questions, please contact MassDOT (781-641-8300) or the Engineering Division of Concord Public Works (978-318-3210).