Local News

Delays expected Tuesday morning on I-93 south due to bridge crash in Medford

Delays during Tuesday's commute could extend to I-95 and Route 128 as well as I-495.

By Rami Abou-Sabe, Mia McCarthy, and Jack Pickell

updated on July 19, 2021

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is encouraging commuters to avoid I-93 southbound Tuesday morning due to lane closures caused by Monday’s bridge accident in Medford.

A large truck struck and damaged the Roosevelt Circle Eastbound Overpass Monday afternoon which led to major delays on both sides of I-93 in the area.

MassDOT announced that only two lanes on I-93 southbound will be open during the Tuesday morning commute, to allow crew members to fix the damaged overpass.

Delays during Tuesday’s commute could extend to I-95 and Route 128 as well as I-495.

Update on I-93 SB/Roosevelt Circle crash repairs in #Medford at exit 24. A max of 2 travel lanes will be open on I-93 SB for the Tuesday 7/20 AM commute, due to ongoing repairs to the overpass. The EB side of the bridge overpass will also be closed to travel.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) July 20, 2021

“An inspection by MassDOT this evening found damage is extensive to an outside beam on the Roosevelt Circle Eastbound Overpass over the right two I-93 southbound travel lanes,” MassDOT wrote in a press release Monday night. “The beam will need to be removed to safely allow traffic to be fully restored underneath on I-93 southbound.”

MassDOT added the damaged beam and approximately seven feet of the bridge deck will need to be demolished over the southbound lanes. As of Monday night, traffic is restricted on the eastbound bridge and MassDOT said they plan to reopen the bridge after the demolition work is finished.