A project to repair a section of the bridge that carries the Red Line over Dorchester Avenue in Fields Corner has prompted a sidewalk shutdown that has some neighbors and merchants concerned. The topic was discussed at last week’s (March 4) meeting of the Fields Corner Civic Association (FCCA), where leaders expressed frustration over a lack of communication about the repairs and the bridge’s condition.

Responding to an inquiry from The Reporter, an MBTA spokesperson explained that the work now underway on the bridge’s substructure is in advance of a project in April that will replace a walkway on the bridge that is used by personnel performing maintenance and for emergency train evacuations.

“The bridge is not structurally deficient, but some concrete repair work is needed to support the walkway replacement project,” said Joe Pesaturo, a T spokesman. “The MBTA will also be removing the rotting timbers that will be eventually replaced by a steel structure that supports the new walkway.”

The preliminary work is being done from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., but most of the walkway work to replace the rotting timbers will take place during the announced Red Line’s Ashmont branch closure from April 1 to April 9. 

The sidewalk on the west side of Dorchester Avenue was abruptly fenced off three weeks ago, forcing pedestrians to cross farther up the street in what some neighbors deemed a dangerous situation. Pesaturo said the T complied with a pedestrian plan approved by the city’s Transportation Dept. by placing signage at Faulkner Street and elsewhere that the sidewalk is closed.

Fields Corner Main Street’s director Jackey West Devine suggested that a safer crossing should be explored by state and city officials.

“This is a really pedestrian-heavy area, and we wondered if there could be a crosswalk installed at Church Street,” said West at the March 4 meeting. “I wonder if the city knows about this at all…That’s not something a pedestrian could or should walk around.”

THE NOTEBOOK
Entertainment permit backed – The FCCA voted to support the Pho Que restaurant on Adams Street in its application for an entertainment license, which it has had under previous owners. Danny Lam, of Arcadia Street, who operates the restaurant, hopes to offer karaoke, variety shows, and some live music in the eatery’s large back room. They would operate entertainment from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday only, Lam said.

Police matters – BPD representatives told civic members that a woman coming out of the Santander Bank in Fields Corner on Feb. 12 was approached by two men who demanded her money, or they would shoot her. “Get a job,” she allegedly told them before walking away as they fled the area. Officers found one of the men on Lyons Street, and he was identified by the victim. The 22-year-old Dorchester man faces charges.

•A commercial burglary was reported at MetroPCS Store at 1442 Dorchester Ave. overnight on Feb. 6. The suspect gained access to the security grates, got inside and pulled them down for cover. The suspect stole $10,000 in merchandise, according to a BPD report.

• On Feb. 16, officers responded to 5 Toledo Terrace for a report of a person with a gun who was spotted in a third floor lobby. Police say the man jumped from a window in an attempt to flee, dropping the .22 calibre, loaded firearm in the process. The 19-year-old man was taken to the hospital for evaluation and will face charges for illegal gun possession.