BROOKLINE — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner announces that the Town of Brookline has been forced to close the Davis Path Pedestrian Footbridge due to structural deficiencies identified as part of a planned study.
The footbridge was closed to pedestrians on April 13 after the town’s structural engineering consultant, LiRo Group, concluded that the bridge posed a potential hazard. Out of an abundance of caution, the town closed the bridge immediately after being notified of the potential danger to users and the MBTA green line tracks below.
The ongoing study was undertaken to perform a thorough assessment of the bridge, create an early action plan to address critical issues and assess the feasibility of restoring or rehabilitating the bridge.
LiRo is working to develop options the town can take to reinforce the bridge, as well as other options to ensure safe operations of the MBTA green line with minimal disruption. LiRo will also provide the town recommendations and cost estimates for permanent repair, renovation of reconstruction.
“We understand the importance this bridge has for our community, as it provides a critical link to schools and parks, as well as commercial and municipal centers,” Kleckner said. “Closing the footbridge is a proactive step meant to protect the safety of pedestrians and train traffic alike, and we will work diligently to identify and develop options for repairing or replacing it as soon as possible.”
The Town of Brookline has been in communication with representatives from the MBTA and will consult with all stakeholders in a public, transparent process to determine long-term solutions for the restoration or replacement of the footbridge.
The decision for budgeting and expending funds to restore the bridge’s functionality will lie with the Select Board and Town Meeting.
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