Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Department of Public Works Director Christopher Cignoli are notifying residents that on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the direction of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the West Street Bridge between Springfield and Ludlow has been closed to traffic.
The bridge has been experiencing issues with a large “bump” on the Springfield side of the bridge due to an expansion joint issue.
Earlier this summer, the City of Springfield hired VHB to inspect the structure and to determine the cause of the “bump”. Based upon their initial inspection the structure itself was deemed safe, however, it appears that typical bridge segment expansion along the structure is being hindered. The consulting engineer has developed proposed solutions for repair, but the scenarios need to be confirmed through a more detailed underside bridge inspection. The bridge is scheduled to have an underside inspection on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Department of Public Works Director Christopher Cignoli, P.E. stated that “due to the weight restrictions that were placed on the Route 21 Putts Bridge between Springfield and Ludlow, the West Street Bridge has seen a significant increase in heavy vehicles this summer which has added to the problems experienced at the West Street Bridge. We have been monitoring this issue throughout the summer in hopes of keeping the bridge open until the repairs could be completed, however, we reached the point where that is not possible any longer. We hope to complete the inspection and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.”
Once the underside inspection is completed, it is anticipated that the repair scenarios will be submitted to MassDOT for their review and ultimate approval. At that point the City will complete the necessary repairs to get the bridge re-opened to traffic. The City of Springfield will work with MassDOT on expediting the repairs as soon as possible, with the hopes of completing the repairs in the next couple of months.
Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding.
