Bridge Connecting Sudbury, Wayland To Close For 12-Week Rehabilitation Project

SUDBURY, MA — A key connection between Sudbury and Wayland is set to close next month for a major rehabilitation project.

Construction on Sherman’s Bridge is anticipated to begin Monday, Nov. 9, with completion expected by Feb. 1, 2027, according to a town announcement. The bridge will remain closed throughout the 12-week project, with signs directing drivers to a detour route.

The bridge carries Sherman’s Bridge Road over the Sudbury River near Lincoln Road, connecting the two communities. It is jointly owned and maintained by Sudbury and Wayland.

The work will include replacing the existing wooden deck with a stronger glued laminated timber, or glulam, deck. Crews will also install crash-tested bridge railings and approach guardrails, complete targeted repairs to the timber substructure and perform minor roadwork near the bridge.

The project is a rehabilitation rather than a full replacement. The existing timber substructure and stringers will remain in place, the town said.

Massachusetts Department of Transportation inspections identified high-priority structural repairs needed to keep the bridge open. The bridge remains safe for travel ahead of construction, according to the town, but annual deck board replacements have not kept pace with deterioration.

A July 2025 underwater inspection found rot in one timber pile and failing steel fasteners used to secure timber bracing, according to the project page. The bridge was reconstructed in 1992.

MassDOT is providing the glulam decking materials and an on-call contractor to replace the deck and railings. Sudbury and Wayland will split the remaining costs equally.

Project updates and contact information are available on the Sherman’s Bridge project page.

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