Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement

We began construction in summer 2022 to prepare for the full replacement of the Dorchester Avenue Bridge in summer 2023. The steel bridge, which is located between Von Hillern and Kemp Streets, carries vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists over the Red Line, the Commuter Rail Old Colony Lines, and the Cabot Yard maintenance tracks.
Originally built in 1925 and last rehabilitated in 1975, the bridge will be replaced to protect its structural integrity and ensure reliable service.
The project will also include the rehabilitation of the Von Hillern Street retaining wall to maintain its structural integrity.
- Contract awarded: November 2022
- Construction schedule:
- Fall 2022 – Winter 2023: Retaining wall rehabilitation, utility relocation, tunnel concrete repairs
- Spring 2023 – Summer 2023: Bridge superstructure replacement
- Fall 2023: Bridge will reopen to traffic
- Projected completion: Late 2023
- Budget: Estimated $34.5 million
- Status: In progress
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
- Replacement of the bridge and the Red Line tunnel roof
- Preservation of the adjacent Von Hillern Street wall
- Safer, more resilient, more reliable service on the Red Line
- Reduced future maintenance costs and service impacts
What to Expect During Construction
Service impacts
Scheduled work will impact Red Line and Commuter Rail service on select weekends.
Neighborhood impacts
At the request of the City of Boston, the Dorchester Avenue Bridge will remain closed through Fall of 2023.
This extension allows for acceleration of work by Boston Water & Sewer Commission. During the closure, vehicles and pedestrians will be unable to cross the bridge. Please see the detour maps below for details.
Neighbors can expect increased construction noise from heavy equipment and machinery. We appreciate your patience and consideration while we work to complete this critical safety project.
Learn more about the current road closure


Past Events
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to sign up for project updates, please contact DotAveBridge@mbta.com.
Recent Updates
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.