Boston begins demolition of crumbling bridge

BOSTON The city of Boston has begun demolition of a structurally deficient bridge that led to a homeless shelter on a Boston Harbor island.

The closure of the 53-year-old bridge in October forced the evacuation of the 450-bed shelter and other programs on Long Island.

The public works department said Monday the demolition was underway with a target completion date of April 30.

The city said Walsh Construction Co., a Chicago-based firm with a regional office in Canton, was awarded the $20.6 million contract after submitting the lowest bid among seven firms.

A replacement bridge is expected to cost more than $80 million and take up to three years to build.

Mayor Martin Walsh's office says the city has found other beds for residents displaced by the shelter's evacuation.

Read this article:
Boston begins demolition of crumbling bridge