Demolition of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge caused delays in Boston and on the Massachusetts Turnpike Monday morning, but they have been better than expected.
The work, which has been underway for a few days, was put to the test on the first Monday morning commute of the project.
MassDOT Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a press conference Monday morning that there is congestion around the construction area and on the Turnpike, but that the result has been slightly better than expected.
Congestion had traffic on the Turnpike backed up into Newton, which is worse than usual, but not as bad as what was anticipated.
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Only two lanes of I-90 are open in each direction for the morning commute throughout the week. The three-lane configuration used Friday night will be in place again this Friday night.
Commonwealth Avenue is open to limited traffic. Detours are in place around the construction site.
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Drivers were warned to expect at least 90 minutes of delays, but Gulliver said the delays haven't reached those levels.
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Shuttles are running in place of the Green Line along this part of the B branch.
Commuter rail and Amtrak trains are back to normal Monday, but high ridership is anticipated throughout the week. Riders are encouraged to use non-peak time trains.
Officials are still encouraging people to seek alternate routes and avoid the area altogether if possible.
Gulliver said major milestones have been hit on time and the next milestone is to have Turnpike traffic restored to what it was pre-construction.
The project is an accelerated process that will take three weeks this year and three weeks next year, as opposed to three-five years of constant work and delays, said Gulliver.
Gulliver added that next week the Turnpike will be restored to three lanes in each direction and the final goal is to have all four lanes open in each direction for the end date of August 14.
Commuters are reminded to be alert throughout the project and plan trips ahead of time.
