Efforts to install a support system that will allow eastbound traffic to travel down Route 2 in Gill, following damage caused by heavy rains, could take another four to five weeks, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
These repairs will be conducted on the closed section of Route 2 eastbound in the area just west of the Avenue A Bridge, MassDOT said in an advisory.
Strong thunderstorms that delivered heavy rain to the area produced slope erosion, causing officials to shut down one side of Route 2 on July 25.
As of July 27, Gill Police Chief Christopher Redmond said it was unclear how soon that part of Route 2 would be open, possibly “weeks, months,” he had told MassLive. But Tuesday’s DOT announcement suggests the road could reopen at the end of August, beginning of September.
Traffic will be detoured via the northbound side of Interstate 91 to Route 10 northbound at exit 50A, MassDOT said. Traffic will also continue to Route 63 southbound to rejoin at Route 2 eastbound in Erving.
Detour signs, message boards, arrow boards and police details will be used to control traffic temporarily while repair operations are underway, MassDOT added. Drivers in the area should expect delays, slow down and use caution.
The department added that all scheduled work is subject to change due to weather and emergencies.