Loud testing at the Muddy River restoration project that was originally scheduled for today on a stretch of the river near the Landmark Center has been delayed, and will not begin until Wednesday afternoon, according to the project office.

The tests, conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers on support structures for the project, will produce loud, gunshot-like bangs. In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, the project’s managers, local officials and State Police have launched a campaign to notify area residents not to be alarmed by the sounds.

The equipment for the tests was being transported from Florida to Boston, and one of the delivery trucks broke down, causing the delay, according to the project office.


Engineers are working to fix the Muddy River’s chronic flooding problem. Between 1 and 3 p.m. Wednesday, engineers will conduct strength tests on concrete shafts that are part of the project using a device that exerts pressure on the concrete and, in the process, creates a loud noise. Police will stop traffic along parts of Park Drive and the Riverway during the tests.