Motorists trying to cross the Danvers River between Ryal Side in Beverly and North Salem will have to make a lengthy detour in either direction to reach their destination as the Kernwood Bridge is now closed for the next month.
The Mass. Department of Transportation announced in a recent advisory that the bridge would be closed to all traffic to facilitate necessary repairs from June 2 through July 11. During this time, crews will remove and replace the existing steel grid deck on the swing span, and repair or replace selected supporting structural steel components.
The repairs are only to preserve the bridge until the planned project to construct a permanent replacement bridge commences, which is still some years off. A temporary bridge to replace the nearby Hall-Whitaker Bridge over the Bass River is slated to be complete in 2027. At that point, the old Hall-Whitaker structure will be demolished to allow for its permanent replacement. After that, the Kernwood will be replaced. Both new bridges are expected to be open for travel by 2033.
During this month-lon closure, vehicles are being detoured to the Salem-Beverly bridge to the east and Liberty Street in Danvers to the west. Bicycles and pedestrians will also have to follow the detours to cross the river.
MassDOT says Kernwood Bridge will be in the open position or operating normally for marine traffic during the closure, but temporary closures of the waterway may be necessary. Advance notice will be given.
Signage and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. Drivers traveling through the affected area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
For the latest on traffic conditions, the public is encouraged to download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
You can also dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
Updates on road and traffic conditions will be also be posted on X @MassDOT.