CHARLESTOWN, Mass. — It’s difficult to envision this vintage landmark no longer being here and being replaced by something else, but those are the conversations happening now.
Last night, MassDOT didn’t rule out turning the Michael J. Tobin Memorial Bridge into an underwater tunnel.
It’s been a mainstay in the Boston area since cars started driving on it back in 1950.
“A lot of memories with Tobin Bridge.” Milton Arujo, a Chelsea resident reflects on the news. “I grew up in east Somerville, Charlestown so the bridge was right there.”
Despite its dependability, its age is showing even with the constant repairs made to the 2.25-mile bridge
“I’m concerned about the safety of it.” Says Diane Beane. “I know that they’re doing the best... but every time I go over it, I always think, ‘Is it my time?’”
That’s why MassDOT is taking steps to develop and review alternatives for its potential replacement.
Last November, the Tobin Bridge planning study was launched.
Since then there have been two meetings, the latest one being on Wednesday, January 15, where MassDOT has said that an underwater tunnel may be a possible alternative.
“That would work for me,” Diane said. “Whatever I guess is the least expensive and the safest.”
For some, it’s reminding them of the “Big Dig”.
“Ahh, as long as it doesn’t take as long as the big dig.” Said Arujo
MassDOT says once they have a range of alternatives, they will analyze them.
Two more meetings are slated to happen this spring for the Tobin study.
Dates for those have not been set.
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