Pike drivers told to brace for road work

Automobile advocates are urging Mass Pike regulars to consider finding alternative routes into the city as officials brace for seven weeks of trafficlane closures caused by construction crews replacing parts of the Commonwealth Avenue bridge.

Crews closed one travel lane of Interstate 90 westbound from the Allston interchange to the Beacon Street bridge last night. The same stretch of the eastbound roadway will be reduced to three lanes tonight beginning at 9 p.m. Then, on July 28, crews will slim the Pike to two lanes in both directions until Aug. 7, after which the highway will grow back to three lanes both ways until the project wraps up. The work is expected to end Aug. 28.

AAA spokeswoman Mary McGuire said drivers would be smart to plan ahead.

“I would advise motorists to be aware of the changes, plan extra time for commuting, adjust commute times when possible, and explore alternate routes,” she said.

The lane closures are needed to build a crane and put major equipment in the median of I-90, according to Acting Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.

“Travelers should make informed decisions and consider alternative modes of transportation including public transit during these times,” Gulliver said.

MassDOT also expects work in the next couple of days to lead to lane reductions around the Allston/ Brighton tolls as crews continue the demolition of the toll plazas.

Those closed lanes are expected to be reopened tomorrow.