Crews repair hole on bridge sidewalk in Allston

ALLSTON, Mass. -- Crews worked overnight Wednesday to repair a large hole on the sidewalk of an Allston bridge.

According to the Department of Transportation, a large chunk of concrete fell underneath the sidewalk portion of the Cambridge Street overpass. 

A large metal plate was used to cover the hole, but officials said that is a temporary fix.

"That's pretty scary. I mean, I walk across here every single day on my way to work," said Christine Atturio.

According to the state, the bridge is structurally sound, but some residents said the hole frightened them.

“It’s dangerous, it’s scary, isn’t it? You’re walking along it’s like, OK scary,” said Kate Harker.

No one was injured, but it’s become an issue for many trying to get around.

“It’s pretty inconvenient. It’s actually quite scary as well when you walk across the bridge and you can see the traffic underneath you. It’s a little bit scary, you know, not good,” said Abbey Thomas, a neighbor.

Some people said it was just a matter of time before something like this happened.

"I always walk by here, and I always notice there's a big huge crack and I can see down and it's really scary," said Robin Powers.

There are train tracks below this section of the sidewalk, but according to the MBTA, service is not going to be affected.

“I was quite mad at first, but now they’re obviously getting it sorted…so it’s all good,” said Harker.

It is the same bridge where last September chunks of concrete came loose and slammed into Meg Garvey as she was driving down the Massachusetts Pike.

“It just sounded like explosion, and came right at me,” said Meg Garvey.

Just last week, two large holes opened up on I-93 North in Medford causing major traffic problems.

DOTD said it realizes how badly its bridges are in need of repair.

The repair work on the Allston bridge was not blocking any traffic Thursday morning, but pedestrians had to take an alternate route around the hole. The entire deck of the bridge will be replaced next spring.

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