Expect Traffic Delays As Bridge Reconstruction Resumes

Dateline: Mar. 21, 2023

Rebuilding the southbound lane of the Route 28 bridge started today. Traffic lights were installed on either end of the bridge between Allenstown and Pembroke and flaggers were temporarily controlling traffic across the new northbound lane. There will not be a third traffic light facing Deerfield Rd.

Greg Tedeschi, the DOT Project Manager, said they configured the lights to minimize the driver frustration that was evident last year. Since southbound vehicles are now traveling across the northbound lane of the bridge, it is easy to see them even with a few northbound vehicles in the way.

This writer recommended that they quickly repaint the "Do Not Block" boxes on the pavement at Deerfield Rd. and Buck St. and reinstall the signs that state "Do Not Block Intersection."

To illustrate the importance of those safety features, this morning while waiting to turn left from Deerfield Rd. onto Route 28, there was a northbound car blocking the intersection. It was stopped almost astride the centerline of Route 28!

A southbound truck driver making a left turn onto Deerfield Rd. stopped long enough to roll down his window and yell at the other driver for blocking the intersection. Hopefully, drivers heading north will get the hang of being patience and courteous during the delays caused by the reconstruction project.

Mr. Tedeschi gave assurances that this year's work should take less than the six months we had to endure last year. For anyone in a hurry, you can always take the Pembroke detour (between Route 3 and the double decker bridge to Buck St.).

What You Can Do

Be patient and look forward to a completed new bridge.