Crack Found in Tobin Bridge; Commercial Traffic Diverted

Update: The bridge has been reopened to truck traffic, but there will be some lane restrictions on the upper level.

From the AP: "State Police are diverting commercial traffic from the upper deck of the Tobin Bridge in Boston after a crack in one of the span’s support beams was found during a routine inspection."

Wait--someone was inspecting it? After the Big Dig mess and general Bostonian inefficiency when it comes to such matters, Bostonist is impressed. Oh, wait. We just noticed that the inspection happens only once every four years. The bridge is 57 years old.

To prevent further strain on the crack, anything over 11,000 pounds on Route 1 south will be "diverted" at Route 16. Massport's website says repairs are happening now and that commercial traffic will be allowed on "by the end of the weekend."

And if you and your vehicle are under 11,000 pounds, you can cross, but just try not to wet yourself out of fear.

Image of the Tobin Bridge from Massport.