BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announces the start of construction on the Bowker Overpass Bridge Superstructure Replacement and Widening Project. This initiative will deliver critical infrastructure improvements to improve travel, enhance safety, and reduce congestion.

Originally constructed in 1964, the Bowker Overpass spans I-90, MBTA rail lines, and Ipswich Street, serving as a vital link for commuters and residents. The structure is currently in poor condition and lacks the capacity to support modern transportation needs. The project will address these deficiencies while introducing several key enhancements:

• Redesigned traffic patterns at the Boylston Street and Bowker Overpass intersection
• Removal and relocation of the off-ramp over the Muddy River to Charlesgate West
• Extensive landscaping upgrades, including the planting of over 100 trees, 150 shrubs, and 3,500 perennials and ferns
• Improved pedestrian and cyclist access to adjacent parklands and the Emerald Necklace

Construction will be carried out in seven phases. The initial phase (Stage 1A) is scheduled to continue through March 2026. Full completion of all seven phases is anticipated by winter 2029.

“This project isn’t just about concrete and steel, it’s about connection,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt said. “Upgrading the Bowker Overpass will make travel safer and more accessible for everyone, whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or taking transit. By removing the off-ramp over the Muddy River and restoring green space, we’re also giving this community back a piece of its parkland.”