West Street bridge closed for inspection

LUDLOW, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - You may remember this story from earlier this month, and we now have an update for you, the West Street Bridge connecting Ludlow and Springfield is now closed until further notice.

We’ve been getting complaints from viewers regarding this bridge for quite some time, and now the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is responding to those concerns by closing the bridge until a proper safety inspection takes place.

Sunday, the Springfield Department of Public Works posted on their social medias that the bridge has been experiencing issues with a large “bump” in the middle due to an expansion joint issue, something that Western Mass News was first to report on earlier this month.

They claim that earlier this summer, the city hired Vanasse Hangen Brustlinto to inspect the structure, which was deemed safe at the time, but has since been hindered.

MassDOT now requiring an underside bridge inspection, scheduled to happen on August 25.

The Springfield Department of Public Works made a social media post containing all this information reads in part: “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.”

Following this inspection, the city will complete all necessary repairs to get the bridge re-opened to traffic as soon and as safely as possible. Western Mass News has reached out to both the Springfield and Ludlow Department of Public Works, and MassDOT for comment, but have not yet heard back.

While the car traffic is stopped until further notice, it seems as though foot and bike traffic are still able to cross over the sidewalks, as we saw a handful of residents doing both Monday afternoon.

Once that underside inspection is complete next week, we will be sure to bring the latest developments from our newsroom to your homes.