Storrow Repairs Set for Summer

Bridge, tunnel, and overpass work scheduled

By Edward A. Brown

Click on the construction symbols to find out about the roadwork along Storrow Drive.

Attention, commuters: a new series of repairs and renovations along Storrow Drive is under way. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is putting $19.5 million into three major projects along the road's Charles River Campus stretch, including repairs on the BU Bridge and the revamping of the Storrow Drive Tunnel and the Bowker Overpass. The bridge work has begun, and the other two projects will start this summer and continue into the fall.

Wendy Fox, a spokesperson for the DCR, says that the only anticipated disruption will be the slowing of traffic in certain stretches along Storrow Drive because of the temporary closing of lanes.

The largest and most expensive project is the structural revamping and waterproofing of the Storrow Drive Tunnel, which carries eastbound traffic through the Back Bay. All deteriorated or deteriorating concrete will be replaced, and the tunnel's storm water collection system will be connected to a groundwater recharge system along Back Street. Work, which will cost $11.5 million, is due to begin in July and will continue until the end of November, then resume in the spring.

The Bowker Overpass, which carries traffic onto Storrow Drive westbound from the Fenway, will undergo a $5.69 million overhaul. Starting in mid-June and ending in October 2009, the overpass will have its deck, roadway, and pedestrian and street lighting replaced, while the cement and steel structures supporting it will be repaired and painted.

The BU Bridge is also getting a makeover. Construction is already under way and will take four to five months to complete. It includes the reparation of sidewalks and curbs on and approaching the bridge, as well as railings and sidewalk support beams, at a cost of $2.3 million. The improvements will take place on one side of the bridge at a time to minimize disruption, with one lane of traffic and the sidewalk closed on that side.

Edward A. Brown can be reached at ebrown@bu.edu.

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