MassDOT proposes yearlong Merriam Street bridge detour

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is proposing a one-year detour around the Merriam Street bridge near the Silver Hill Commuter Rail station as the agency prepares to replace the aging structure.

MassDOT shared its plans during a virtual public hearing on March 18, where staff laid out the state’s current proposal to replace the deteriorating 98-year-old bridge. MassDOT is expected to submit its 75% design plan for review in June, and if the project stays on track, it could be advertised for construction in November 2027. Construction would begin in 2028 and be completed in 2029.

Project Manager Christopher Cameron said replacing the bridge was explored in the 1990s. “However, the project was stopped due to concerns from the local community.”

“The primary driver is the bridge condition … It was previously hit by a train due to the low vertical clearance over the railroad,” Cameron said, noting the structure is noncompliant with state and federal safety standards.

The Merriam Street bridge last underwent major reconstruction in 1980, according to MassDOT’s online bridge inventory. A 6-ton weight limit is currently posted, and the bridge is supported by a shoring tower.

Project goals include bringing the bridge up to safety standards and improving the vertical clearance, as well as minimizing “impacts to resources and abutters and also providing a bridge that fits the rural character of the area,” according to Cameron.

The state’s estimated cost for the project is about $7.68 million, according to MassDOT’s project database.

MassDOT is proposing two construction stages for the project. The first will close the bridge to all vehicles for one year with a detour taking drivers from Hallett Hill Road to Conant Road and then to Route 117. Pedestrian access will be maintained. The second stage will open up one lane on the bridge with a temporary traffic signal for alternating traffic.

While supportive of the bridge’s replacement, several neighborhood residents expressed concerns over the 1.2-mile detour.

“My opinion is that something needs to be done to shorten the full closure time,” said Mike Schwartz. “A full year of impact there is pretty severe.”

No matter how MassDOT approaches construction, the bridge will need to be closed to vehicular traffic for at least a year, according to Cameron.

“Regardless of whether it’s a staged construction or a full closure with a detour, there’s basically going to be one construction season where it’s fully closed to traffic,” Cameron said. “The advantage of staged construction is there is no closure to pedestrians.”

Other concerns shared by residents included ensuring the bridge remained in harmony with Weston’s rural character, traffic-calming measures and placement of utility poles.

MassDOT also met with the Historical Commission for a site walk in July 2025, and intends to incorporate historical design concepts into the project, such as painting guardrails and bridge railings brown, to fit the neighborhood’s historical character, according to emails posted on the town’s website.

“The town of Weston has very strong feelings as to the way this project will look; you’re probably going to hear a lot of things,” Town Manager Leon Gaumond said. “I want to commend MassDOT for recognizing the need for this bridge replacement. Our public safety forces have been long concerned about providing adequate public safety to all parts of town. This has been something that has been on their radar screens for a number of years.”

MassDOT is continuing to accept public comments on the project, and residents are encouraged to email their feedback to [email protected].