GLOUCESTER — Harbormaster Chris Lucido reports that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has scheduled construction work on the Blynman Bridge that will require closing the waterway.
From March 16 to March 31, the Blynman Canal will be closed to all boat traffic because a structure that will have to be built under the bridge. The bridge will be in the down position for the duration of the work.
There will also be a channel closure affecting even small craft.
The bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic, though lanes may be closed on occasion.
MassDOT initially requested to perform the work from April 1 to May 1, but that time frame coincides with scallop season, when numerous vessels use the Blynman Bridge to access the harbor and fishing grounds. At the urging of the Harbormaster, several state agencies and local legislators, MassDOT agreed to move the work up and to shorten the length of the closure.
“I want to thank MassDOT, our local legislative delegation, and the state for helping us to ensure this necessary work will not unduly impact scallop season,” said Harbormaster Lucido. “This work is not optional, and we appreciate everyone’s willingness to reschedule it to minimize impacts on our local community.”
Phase 2 of the work will be moved to November, again at the urging of the Harbormaster, state agencies, and local legislators, to minimize the impact of the work on commercial scallop fisheries and local stakeholders.
