Bridge connecting Saugus and Lynn shut down for emergency repairs, causing headache for drivers
A temporary bridge over the Saugus River has been shut down for emergency repairs, as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said a field inspection revealed cracking on bridge deck panel assemblies. The repairs caused a headache for commuters on the North Shore.
The Route 107 bridge connects Saugus and Lynn. It was closed to traffic at about 7 p.m. Wednesday night and detours are now in place. On Thursday, MassDOT said it expects repairs on the bridge and traffic to be restored by the end of the upcoming weekend. The new bridge being constructed now is expected to be complete by summer 2026.
"It took me literally an extra hour just to get back home," Lynn resident Marissa Devine said.
Traffic in Lynn was gridlocked for hours Thursday morning, causing residual delays across the North Shore.
"I've been waiting in traffic over an hour and a half, I've got an appointment I've got to go to," John from Revere said.
According to MassDOT, "several deck panel assemblies were identified that require replacement."
Inspections on Thursday discovered additional panels that need to be replaced. MassDOT said crews are working around the clock.
The drawbridge will remain open for marine traffic. Sidewalks on the bridge are open to bicyclists and pedestrians. Lynn resident Gerson Argueta tried driving his car Thursday before giving up and taking his bike to work.
"I've seen a lot more people on bikes than I see in the summer, so that's a good thing maybe, right?" he said.
Detours in place for bridge closure
Northbound traffic on Route 107 will be detoured at Ballard Street.
- Turn left onto Ballard Street.
- Turn right onto Lincoln Avenue.
- Continue on Boston Street.
- Turn right onto Summer Street.
- Take Summer Street back to Route 107 (Western Avenue).
Southbound traffic on Route 107 will be detoured onto Summer Street.
- Turn right onto Summer Street.
- Turn left onto Boston Street.
- Continue onto Lincoln Avenue.
- Turn left onto Ballard Street.
- Take Ballard Street back to Route 107 (Salem Turnpike).
I-Team investigation on bridge project
The bridge project was the subject of a 2022 I-Team investigation.
The report uncovered that MassDOT trucked asbestos contaminated soil and debris from the construction site to an area behind Chelsea Housing Authority homes. The state left it uncovered for nearly a year with danger signs around it.