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City of Worcester, MA

Eric D. Batista
City Manager

Traffic PSA: Work to be Completed on Ararat and Millbrook Streets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/28/2026 10:35 am

WORCESTER, Mass. – The following construction activity is scheduled to begin May 1, 2026:

Ararat Street Bridge: MassDOT is performing bridge preservation and rehabilitation work on the Ararat Street Bridge over I-190. Starting May 1, 2026, traffic patterns will be modified:

  • Eastbound traffic will be detoured
  • Pedestrian access will remain across the bridge
  • Westbound traffic will remain open across the bridge during construction
  • The detour is expected to remain in place through August 2026
  • Local access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction

The following detour for eastbound traffic will be in place from May 1, 2026 through August 2026:

  • Turn right on Frontage Road South
  • Continue straight and follow signs to Shore Drive
  • Turn left onto Shore Drive
  • Turn left on Frontage Road North
  • Continue straight to reconnect with Ararat Street

Millbrook Street Bridges: MassDOT is managing ongoing reconstruction of two bridges on Millbrook Street: one that crosses railroad tracks and a second that crosses I-190. Significant reconstruction is expected to start May 4, and the phases of the project are outlined below. Overall, project work is expected to be completed in June 2027 and will include a pause between November 2026 and the spring of 2027. Throughout construction, the westbound direction of travel will remain open, and eastbound traffic (Gold Star Boulevard to Burncoat Street) will be detoured. Pedestrians will continue to be able to use Millbrook Street.

Phase 1:

  • Expected to begin Monday, May 4 and last for 75 days.
  • Westbound travel will always be open, eastbound travel will be detoured.
  • Eastbound detour will be Gold Star Boulevard to I-190 South, to I-290 East, to the Burncoat Street exit.

Phase 2:

  • Expected to begin mid-August and last for 75 days until early November.
  • Westbound travel will always be open; eastbound travel will be detoured.
  • Eastbound detour will be Gold Star Boulevard to I-190 South, to I-290 East, to the Burncoat Street exit.

Spring 2027:

  • Final tasks for completion including paving.
  • There may be day road closures around the work area during this phase.
  • Estimated date of project conclusion is June 2027.

All construction activity can be tracked on the municipality's Engineering webpage.