Sherman's Bridge Between Sudbury and Wayland to Close for 12‑Week Rehabilitation

On Monday, Nov. 9, drivers will see the familiar "Sherman's Bridge Road" signs replaced with detour arrows as the bridge that connects Sudbury and Wayland closes its lanes for a 12‑week rehabilitation. The closure, slated to last until Feb. 1, 2027, is part of a coordinated effort by both towns to give the aging structure a solid, long‑lasting makeover.

For those who use the bridge daily, the news might feel like an inconvenience, but officials say it’s a necessary pause. The bridge, which spans the Sudbury River near Lincoln Road, has been serving the two communities since it was rebuilt in 1992. Over the years, the wooden deck has been patched up—annual board replacements and a few spot repairs—but a recent MassDOT inspection flagged high‑priority structural issues that can’t be ignored.

What’s actually happening under the tarp? Crews will rip out the existing wooden deck and replace it with a glued‑laminated timber (glulam) deck—a stronger, more resilient material that should stand up to the region’s weather for decades. Alongside the new deck, crash‑tested bridge railings and approach guardrails will be installed, and targeted repairs will be made to the timber substructure. The underlying timber beams and stringers will stay put; it’s a rehabilitation, not a full replacement.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation is chipping in, supplying the glulam decking and an on‑call contractor to handle the deck and railing work. Sudbury and Wayland will split the remaining costs evenly, a partnership that reflects how the bridge is jointly owned and maintained.

Why the urgency? A July 2025 underwater inspection uncovered rot in one timber pile and corroded steel fasteners that held the bracing together. While the bridge is still deemed safe for traffic now, those hidden issues could become hazardous if left untreated. The rehabilitation aims to head off any future headaches and keep the crossing reliable for years to come.

Drivers are urged to follow the posted detour signs, which will guide traffic onto alternate routes until the bridge reopens. Updates, contact information, and more details about the project can be found on the town’s Sherman’s Bridge project page.