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MassDOT Update: I-93 Southbound in Medford

Posted on: July 21, 2021 - 7:29am

For Immediate Release

July 20, 2021

Update: I-93 Southbound in Medford

Work continues to stabilize I-93 southbound overpass

Travel lanes in Roosevelt Circle (Route 28) restricted

Over height truck struck Roosevelt Circle overpass July 19 and there is extensive damage to a bridge beam on the overpass

MEDFORD – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising that all lanes on Interstate 93 southbound in Medford will be reopened when temporary repairs are made to the damaged area and the overpass is stabilized. MassDOT expects that all travel lanes on I-93 southbound will be fully reopened at some point on Wednesday, July 21. All lanes of travel continue to be open on I-93 northbound as they have been since the incident occurred.

Meanwhile, the eastbound rotary bridge damaged during the incident will also be reopened and Roosevelt Circle (Route 28) will be restored to two travel lanes with some lane restrictions until full, permanent repairs are made. These permanent repairs are expected to take several months.

An over height vehicle owned by Dove Transportation LLC of Alabama struck the overpass on I-93 Southbound on the afternoon of Monday, July 19.  The company was not permitted for the height of the shipment, did not use the required flag cars, and was traveling an unapproved route when it struck the overpass on I-93 southbound. Dove Transportation had secured permits for a smaller load with a different route. MassDOT is working closely with the Massachusetts state police to investigate the incident. MassDOT intends to hold the trucking company legally and financially responsible for damages and will be reviewing the company’s eligibility for obtaining permits in Massachusetts in the future.

Drivers are encouraged to use public transportation if they ordinarily would travel on I-93 southbound in Medford.  The MBTA Commuter Rail Station at Anderson in Woburn, at 100 Atlantic Avenue, has parking and the trip on the commuter rail from Anderson to North Station generally takes 25 minutes:  https://www.mbta.com/stops/place-NHRML-0127

Other MBTA options include travel using the Lowell Commuter Rail, the Orange Line or the Blue Line:  www.mbta.com

MassDOT has deployed message boards on I-93 southbound for drivers approaching the Medford work zone as far away as the New Hampshire border and also on I-495 and on I-95/Route 128.

MassDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays.

For more information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:

  • Dial 511 before heading out onto the roadways and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
  • Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, access to traffic cameras, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
  • Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
  • Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.