Casey Overpass in Jamaica Plain to close completely on Saturday

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The overpass that connects the Arboretum section of Jamaica Plain with the Forest Hills section of the neighborhood and other areas of Boston, will close for good on Saturday.

The westbound lane of the Casey Overpass was closed last week, and the eastbound lane will be closed Saturday. The structure will be demolished beginning Monday.

Opponents of the plan to demolish the overpass say it will add significant traffic to the area. Proponents say it will add value to the area and make the neighborhood more connected.

Drivers in the area are asked to add extra time to their commute.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation released the following instructions for drivers while demolition is underway:

During demolition, travel in the westbound (toward Jamaica Pond) direction will follow the temporary roadway from Shea Circle to the Arborway onramp at South Street.  Right and left turns will be permitted at the intersections with Washington Street and South Street. 
 
Eastbound (toward Franklin Park, Dorchester, and Mattapan) traffic will be split at the eastern (Arnold Arboretum) end of the Overpass.  Traffic seeking to access South Street, Forest Hills Station, and points south such as Roslindale Square, will bear to the right, making a right turn onto South Street at the bottom of the ramp.  Left turns onto South Street northbound will not be permitted. 

Eastbound through traffic for Shea Circle, Hyde Park Avenue, West Roxbury Municipal Court, Franklin Park, Dorchester, and Mattapan will bear left onto the eastbound temporary roadway.  Eastbound right or left turns to South Street in either direction will not be permitted.  Right and left turns at Washington Street will be open to traffic. 

Generally speaking, north and southbound movements along Washington Street and South Street will remain as they are today for this phase of construction.  The southbound exit of Forest Hills Street into Shea Circle will remain closed to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Any motorist bound for Shea Circle, West Roxbury Municipal Court, Dorchester, Franklin Park etc., accidentally bearing to the right and finding themselves on South Street is advised to turn left on Ukraine Way, left on Hyde Park Avenue, and turn right on the Arborway surface road immediately after the LAZ Parking Lot in Forest Hills.

Cox Media Group