< Back to front page Text size – +

State warns that deluge will make for frustrating commute

E-mail|Link|Comments () March 30, 2010 04:17 PM

Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff

A sign of the wet times -- the Cambridge Turnpike was closed because of flooding at Crosby Pond in Concord, MA.

By Globe Staff

Just in time for the evening commute, the highway and commuter rail systems are seeing delays due to today's rainstorm, especially in southeastern Massachusetts, according to the state's transportation agency.

"Residents and drivers should take note that roadways and rail service in Southeastern Massachusetts has been heavily impacted by this storm. In addition, continued rainfall, flooding and water on the roadways can be expected to cause delays ithroughout eastern Massachusetts during the evening commute,'' MassDOT said in an afternoon statement.

Flooding has already forced closure of portions of Route 24, especially in Fall River area.

The MBTA is reporting that river flooding has suspended commuter rail and Amtrak service between the Providence, R.I. and South Attleboro stations. Buses are currently being used to shuttle passengers between the two stations and will be in used at least through the evening commute.

The MBTA is watching the Muddy River in the Fenway area where the water level is on the rise. Once it reaches 15 feet, the T will need to build a dam in front of the portal to the Green Line D branch tunnel.

In Littleton, Route 119 will remain closed for up to two weeks as crews work to replace a collapsed culvert at Spectacle Pond.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation at 4 p.m. announced the following road closures:

-- Soldiers Field Road at Brighton Circle is closed between Brooks Street and Parsons Street.

-- Nonantum Road in Watertown is closed between Galen Street and Charlesbank Road.

-- Alewife Brook Parkway on the Arlington/Cambridge line is closed between Massachusetts Avenue and Route 2.

-- Lynn Fells Parkway in Melrose is closed between Melrose Street and Tremont Street.

The MassDOT released this summary of known road impacts from the storm:

Freetown - Route 24 Northbound and Southbound high-speed lanes flooded and closed.

Fall River - Route 24 Northbound and Southbound closed between I-195 and Exit 5 (President Ave).

Middleboro - Route 28 near the Log Cabin Restaurant - road flooded, but cars getting by. Drive slowly.

Middleboro - Route 105 Southbound -- one lane closed at Route I-495 overpass.

Lakeville - Route 18 along Assawompset Pond (between Highland Road and Main St intersections). Road flooded but cars getting by. Drive slowly.

Holbrook - Route 37 between Quincy St and South St. Road flooded and detoured.

Raynham - Route 138 near Great American Pub (North of Route I-495). Road flooded, but cars getting by. Drive slowly.

Wrentham - Route 1 Northbound north of Thurston Street. Drivers should be aware water rushing down to roadway but basins draining water.

Taunton - Route 44 road flooding near Taunton River - Route 44 detoured at Long Meadow Rd Eastbound in Taunton and South Street in Raynham westbound.

Dighton - Route 138 at Muddy Cove - detour Hart St to Elm St to Main St back to Route 138 - road flooded and detoured.

Somerset - Route 138 at Buffington St. - police detouring around the flooded road.

Westport - Route 6 Eastbound & Westbound at Bread and Cheese Brook flooded over road - detour being implemented around this area.

Uxbridge - Rte 146A Southbound at Mill St., water is over the top of the road
Wayland - Rte 20 Eastbound at Rte 27 - Closed. Rte 27 is open in both directions, at least through the evening commute.

Holliston - Rte 16, closed one mile east of Milford town line.

Concord Turnpike in Concord closed at the junctions of Routes 2 and 2A.

Swansea - Route 195 Eastbound at exit 3 closed.