Boston Begins Demolition Of Crumbling Long Island Bridge

BOSTON (AP) — The city of Boston has begun demolition of a structurally deficient bridge that led to a homeless shelter on a Boston Harbor island.

The closure of the 53-year-old bridge in October forced the evacuation of the 450-bed shelter and other programs on Long Island.

The public works department said Monday the demolition was underway with a target completion date of April 30.

The city said Walsh Construction Co., a Chicago-based firm with a regional office in Canton, was awarded the $20.6 million contract after submitting the lowest bid among seven firms.

A replacement bridge is expected to cost more than $80 million and take up to three years to build.

Mayor Martin Walsh's office says the city has found other beds for residents displaced by the shelter's evacuation.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON