Wellesley bridge ramp may open in December

Wellesley residents may get a little bit of relief in December from the construction work on the Route 16 bridge across Route 9. Emphasis on "a little bit.''

The contractor told town officials this month that the ramp running up from Route 9 westbound to Washington Street may be ready to re-open in about three months.

Wellesley Deputy Police Chief Bill Brooks told Selectmen Monday that the latest delay in the now five-year-old project to rebuild the bridge is the discovery that two beams were “set wrong” on the east-bound side of the bridge by the previous contractor. Two other beams are also cracked, said Brooks.

The current contractor estimates the earliest the bridge work may be completed is next July, but Brooks suggested a fall 2009 finish date is “more realistic.” Department of Public Works Director Mike Pakstis said there will be a temporary traffic light installed at the top of the ramp once it opens.

--Lisa Keen