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Temporary barrier putting the squeeze on Charles River Dam pedestrian traffic

BOSTON — It has been almost a year since two people died when their pickup truck crashed through a pedestrian barrier and plunged into the Charles River. But since then, the hand rail along the road over the Charles River Dam hasn't been replaced.

People who frequently pass through the area say the temporary concrete barrier makes traffic along the sidewalk a tight squeeze, forcing lots of people with bikes, Segways, strollers and skateboards into a narrow passage.%

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"It’s a pain, especially with two strollers to be able to get through a narrow walkway as is," Amber Murphy said.

FOX25 watched a lot of people and things navigating the path that sits between the barriers and a light pole and a utility box.

The barriers are said to be a temporary replacement for the railing along the Charles River.

Police say last November, the driver ran a red light before crashing through the railing and into the river below. The young couple from Providence did not survive.

Almost a year later, the state is still working to make the repairs.

According to Mass. officials, the hand rail is part of the original Charles River Dam design. MassDOT had to dig up plans for it and give them to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which then got a designer to try and match the original rail.

Officials say they hope to have it installed by the end of the year.%

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DCR is overseeing the repairs are now working with a fabricator to match the rest of the railing.

The cost for the fabrication and replacement of fence is estimated to be approximately $107,000.