North Washington Street Bridge Construction Slated for 2017

Based on meetings held in collaboration with MassDOT and the Boston Department of Public Works (DPW) the $125 million dollar proposed design and replacement of the 100 year old North Washington Street Bridge (Charlestown Bridge) could start as early as 2017.

Construction will actually not commence until eleven permits that are needed to be acquired in the coming months for the three to four year build time.

The city is calling for design streets that allow for multi-model transportation positive landscape and streetscape as aesthetics and has challenged consultants to come up with a variety of schemes.

As designed now, the bridge would consist of four vehicle lanes (two in each direction), 12 foot wide sidewalks in both directions, separate bike lanes and a 21 foot wide elongated viewing area in the middle of the bridge on both sides, creating one of the best views in Boston.

The bridge structural concept, range from a double arch, a single arch, hammerhead piers and V-shaped piers.

Residents on both sides of the bridge have expressed concerns about noise, traffic flow, loss of business, in danger species created by the dredging, digging, tugboats and general construction.

The state and the city plan to conduct additional public meetings before design approval and construction begin.