Lane Closures On Braga Bridge This Weekend

Here's the latest from the Mass. DOT regarding the Braga Bridge in Fall River and closures of single I-195/Braga Bridge WB overnight lane closure Friday, Oct. 24 and Central Street, Exit 5 off I-195 WB and North Davol Street Saturday, Oct. 25.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will implement the following closures in Fall River from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 to perform project-related utility work in the area:

• Central Street (Route 79/138) between Durfee Street/Milliken Boulevard and Water Street
• Exit 5 from I-195 westbound
• North Davol Street (Route 79) between the U-turn and Central Street

Also, an additional lane closure will be implemented on I-195 westbound on the Braga Bridge from 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24 to 5 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. This closure is necessary to perform deck repairs prior to the winter season. One travel lane will be maintained on I-195 westbound on the bridge during this time.

Bicyclists and pedestrians can access the waterfront using the crossings at President Avenue and Anawan Street. There will be no pedestrian or bicycle access to the waterfront on Central Street between Heritage State Park and Harbor Street. Local access to area attractions and abutting properties will be maintained at all times. Motorists should follow the Battleship Cove Area signage for access to the waterfront.

Police details will be present at the work site and along the detour route to maintain traffic flow. The following detour routes will be in place for Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. only:

• I-195 westbound traffic destined for Route 79/138 and points north should use Exit 6 or reverse direction at Exit 4.
• North Davol Street (Route 79) traffic destined for points south should use President Avenue, Robeson Street and Bedford Street.
• North Davol Street (Route 79) and Central Street traffic destined for points north should use North Main Street and President Avenue.
• Central Street (Route 79/138) traffic destined for points south should use South Main Street.
• Central Street (Route 79/138) traffic destined for the Battleship Cove or Water Street areas should use Pocasset and Anawan Streets.

MassDOT encourages drivers to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. Drivers who must travel through the affected area should expect delays and should reduce speed and use caution while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

For more information on the project, visit the website at http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/route79project/Home.aspx. For questions or to report issues related to construction, please call the project hotline at (781) 774-0441 or email route79project@state.ma.us.