The bridge connecting Elliot Street in Newton Upper Falls to Central Ave. in Needham (right near Echo Bridge) will likely close completely for six months around July to December 2016 for renovations,  Wicked Local Needham reports.

 During the closure, traffic heading between Needham and Newton will have to navigate to Route 9 or the Highland Avenue-Needham Street corridor. Selectmen last week expressed great concern about the impact of the closure, particularly on local business.

 “There are small business areas on either side of that bridge, and they will have a substantial loss of business as a result of this,” said Selectman Moe Handel.