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.

 

These are all residential side streets. 

 

"Based on what the existing road conditions are, this made the most sense," Caccamo said.

 

According to the state website, the bridge's deck, superstructure, and substructure conditions are fair; and it is not structurally deficient.

 

The impact on the downtown corridor and surrounding neighborhoods remains uncertain, particularly concerning deliveries and the fire station, which is located downtown and has been actively involved in the situation, Caccamo said

 

The town is cognizant of the potential impact and may need to make adjustments once it becomes clearer, he said. 

 

"We just want to be responsive to recognizing the downgrade and weight limits to the bridge while still being supportive of the business community and the larger community a whole," Caccamo said. 

 

"Certainly, the neighborhoods, essentially the east of Park Street — they're going to see a different traffic pattern, and we acknowledge that.

 

"With that will come, possibly, some level of disturbance. We, again, don't have any data to be able to point to that. So we'll be mindful of the comments that we receive, and try to be as responsive as we can."