Taunton and Raynham Police Departments Announce Bridge Closure

TAUNTON — Taunton Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Raynham Police Chief David LaPlante would like to inform residents of both communities that a planned temporary closure of the Old Colony/South Street Bridge is scheduled to begin on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

The bridge is located on the town line between Raynham and East Taunton, where South Street East meets Old Colony Avenue, crossing the Taunton River. This is the same road that leads to the Walmart Supercenter on Paramount Drive in Raynham from the direction of East Taunton.

This temporary closure is expected to last approximately 60 to 90 days.

The City of Taunton and the Town of Raynham are working in coordination with Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to manage the planned closure to facilitate a construction project that is needed to shore up the bridge structure and ensure public safety.

This temporary closure, starting on Aug. 1, will allow for initial repairs to be completed at the Old Colony/South Street Bridge.

But the City of Taunton and Town of Raynham anticipate a future, more comprehensive closure will be required, potentially in 2027, once a full bridge repair plan is finalized.

The proposed MassDOT bridge repair plan includes the replacement of the bridge deck and improving operations of the roadway, and relocating the existing bridge sidewalk from the east to the west side of the bridge to connect to an existing sidewalk on the southwest approach. The proposed bridge repair project also includes the establishment of a five-foot shoulder to accommodate a bike lane in the northbound direction, improving safety for cyclists by separating them from vehicular traffic.

MassDOT is hosting a live virtual design public hearing on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 6pm regarding this proposed project. Interested parties may visit www.mass.gov/orgs/highway-division/events for further information.

“We are grateful to the Taunton and Raynham Police Departments, and all the dedicated city and town officials who are working with MassDOT to effectively manage the closure of the Old Colony South Street Bridge. Their strong collaboration and coordinated response will help minimize the impact on our residents and ensure the continued safety of the public during this necessary infrastructure project,” said Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell.

For further information, Taunton residents may visit www.taunton-ma.gov or call Taunton Department of Public Works at 508-821-1431 with questions. Raynham updates can be found by going to the town’s website, www.town.raynham.ma.us, or by contacting the Highway Department at 508-824-2718.

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The bridge is located on the town line between Raynham and East Taunton, where South Street East meets Old Colony Avenue, crossing the Taunton River. (Photo Courtesy Taunton Police Department)

This temporary closure, starting on Aug. 1, is expected to last approximately 60 to 90 days. (Photo Courtesy Taunton Police Department)