FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 4/19/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Announces Temporary Closure of California Avenue for Emergency CSX Rail Repairs
FRAMINGHAM - CSX Notified the City in need to conduct emergency rail repairs on California Avenue in Framingham.
The City of Framingham, in coordination with CSX and the Framingham Police Department, is notifying residents, commuters, and businesses of a temporary road closure on California Avenue beginning at 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, through Saturday, April 26, to accommodate emergency rail line repairs. Work includes track repairs and paving at the rail crossing.
CSX anticipates completion of the project within three days, pending weather conditions. The City and its partners are committed to completing the work efficiently while maintaining safety and minimizing disruptions.
Traffic Impacts & Detour
- California Avenue will be closed to through traffic during the work period. Detour will be on New York Avenue.
- Access to Wendy’s and Launch Entertainment on California Avenue will remain open. Signage will clearly state “California Ave Open to Wendy’s and Launch ONLY” to avoid confusion and prevent large vehicle turnaround issues.
- All other traffic, including trucks and deliveries for California Avenue businesses beyond the tracks, including but not limited to Bose, Sanofi/Genzyme, Poland Springs, FedEx, etc, must follow detour signage.
Electronic message boards and directional signage were positioned on Route 9 this weekend to provide early notice of the detour.
Notably, drivers coming from Route 9 East should be aware of an adjusted sign location near Owen O’Leary’s to allow adequate time for alternate route access.
Enhanced Police Presence for Public Safety
To ensure safe traffic flow and minimize disruption, the Framingham and Southborough Police Departments will deploy detail officers throughout the duration of the closure: Framingham Police will staff six officers during peak hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and maintain an overnight presence with two officers.
The detour will extend into the Town of Southborough.
Manual signal control will be implemented at several intersections, including Crossing Boulevard and Pleasant Street Connector, to manage diverted traffic. This area is not typically designed for high traffic volumes and will require active monitoring.
Message to Businesses and Commuters
The City recognizes that California Avenue serves as a key access point for both local commuters and freight traffic, including connections to the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Businesses within the impacted area are encouraged to communicate with delivery partners and customers in advance to account for detour impacts.
The City of Framingham requested CSX conduct the closure on April 25-26-27 to reduce the disruption of businesses in the technology park, but CSX was adamant about starting work at 7 a.m. on April 24.
CSX and public safety departments will work collaboratively to reduce disruption and re-open the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.
For updates, please follow the City of Framingham’s website at www.FraminghamMA.gov and the City of Framingham’s official social media channels.
###