ADAMS, Mass. — Traffic patterns downtown are anticipated to change because of the state's decision to downgrade the weight limits for the Park Street bridge. 

 

The state Department of Transportation informed the town of the load rating change for the 16.7-foot girder bridge at the end of January. MassDOT has it listed as "Center Street" bridge.

 

The state-owned bridge, over the Hoosic River, was reconstructed in 1957 and is heavily utilized for traffic on Route 8.   

 

Signage showcasing the weight restrictions will be posted sometime next week and are as follows:

Emergency vehicles will be posted as follows: single axle: 16 tons, tandem axle: 25 tons, and a gross of 35 tons. 

 

Vehicles weighing more will be detoured. 

 

Northbound traffic affected by these restrictions will be routed onto Myrtle Street through Pleasant and Depot streets to reconnect to Route 8 on Columbia Street, Town Administrator Nicholas Caccamo said. 

 

Southbound traffic will be directed onto Lime Street, then North Summer Street, and to Center Street.