DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 4, 2011
AT
GREAT HALL, WELLESLEY TOWN HALL
525 WASHINGTON STREET
WELLESLEY, MA 02482
7:00 PM
FOR THE PROPOSED
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION – BRIDGE NO. W-13-015
CEDAR STREET OVER ROUTE 9
Contract No. 65281
IN THE TOWN OF WELLESLEY MASSACHUSETTS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
LUISA PAIEWONSKY
DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR
FRANK A. TRAMONTOZZI, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY DIVISION
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
Project File No. 604329
A Design Public Hearing will be held by MassDOT - Highway Division to discuss the proposed Superstructure
Replacement of Bridge W-13-015 carrying Cedar Street over Route 9 in Wellesley, MA.
WHERE:
Great Hall, Wellesley Town Hall
525 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
WHEN:
January 4, 2010 @ 7:00 PM
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with
the proposed bridge superstructure replacement project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be
reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.
PROPOSAL: The proposed project consists of the reconstruction of Bridge No. W-13-015 carrying Cedar Street over
Route 9 in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The objective of the project is to upgrade deteriorated components of the
bridge, restoring the structural integrity of the bridge to statutory load capacity and extending its service life. The
project will also increase the vertical clearance under the bridge. The scope of work includes the replacement of
the bridge superstructure with a two-span continuous steel stringer superstructure with cast-in-place concrete
deck. Accelerated bridge construction techniques will be employed to minimize the duration of construction and
impacts on the travelling public. The replacement superstructure will be prefabricated on site to allow for
demolition of the existing superstructure and placement of the new superstructure within a 72-hour period over
the July 4th weekend, 2011. Bridge piers and abutments will be repaired and modified to accommodate the new
superstructure. Approach roadways will be modified to accept the vertical geometry of the new superstructure.
A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements may be
required. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands.
MassDOT’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be discussed at this hearing.
Written views received by MassDOT subsequent to the date of this notice and up to five (5) days prior to the date of the
hearing shall be displayed for public inspection and copying at the time and date listed above. Plans will be on display
one-half hour before the hearing begins, with an engineer in attendance to answer questions regarding this project. A
project handout will be made available on the MassDOT website listed below.
Written statements and other exhibits in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the Public Hearing regarding
the proposed undertaking are to be submitted to Frank A. Tramontozzi, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT – Highway
Division, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, ATTN: ABP Section, Project File No. 604329. Such submissions will also
be accepted at the hearing. Mailed statements and exhibits intended for inclusion in the public hearing transcript must be
postmarked within ten (10) business days of this Public Hearing.
Project inquiries may be emailed to
dot.feedback.highway@state.ma.us
The community has declared that this facility is accessible to all in compliance with the ADA / Title II. However, persons
in need of ADA / Title II accommodations should contact Angela Rudikoff by phone at (617) 973-7005 or email to
angela.rudikoff@state.ma.us. Requests must be made at least 10 days prior to the date of the public hearing.
In case of inclement weather, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the internet at
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/
LUISA PAIEWONSKY
HIGHWAY DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR
FRANK A. TRAMONTOZZI, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
Boston, Massachusetts
WHAT IS A PUBLIC HEARING?
WHY A PUBLIC HEARING?
To provide an assured method whereby the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can
furnish to the public information concerning the State’s highway construction proposals,
and to afford every interested resident of the area an opportunity to be heard on any
proposed project. At the same time, the hearings afford the Commonwealth an additional
opportunity to receive information from local sources which would be of value to the State
in making its final decisions to what design should be advanced for development.
WHY NOT A VOTE ON HIGHWAY PLANS?
The hearings are not intended to be a popular referendum for the purpose of
determining the nature of a proposed improvement by a majority of those present. They do
not relieve the duly constituted officials of a State highway department of the necessity for
making decisions in State highway matters for which they are charged with full
responsibility.
WHAT DOES A PUBLIC HEARING ACCOMPLISH?
It is designed to ensure the opportunity for, or the availability of, a forum to provide
factual information which is pertinent to the determination of the final alternative
considered by the state to best serve the public interest, and on which improvement
projects are proposed to be undertaken.
It is important that the people of the area express their views in regard to the
proposal being presented, so that views can be properly recorded in the minutes of the
meeting. These minutes will be carefully studied and taken into consideration in the
determination of the final design.
TO SAFEGUARD THE PROPERTY OWNER
If your property, or a portion of it, must be taken by the State for a highway in the interest
of all people of the Commonwealth, your rights are fully protected under the law. Briefly,
here are some of the answers to questions you might ask.
1.
WHO CONTACTS ME?
Representatives of the Right of Way Bureau of the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation’s Highway Division. They will explain the
procedure to be followed in acquiring and paying for the property. An
appraiser may ask questions needed to arrive at a fair price for your
property.
2.
WHAT IS A FAIR PRICE FOR MY PROPERTY?
Every offer is made to insure that an equitable value is awarded to you for
the property, or to appraise the “damage” to the property as a result of the
taking. MassDOT appraisers, independent appraisers, MassDOT “Review
Appraisers” and a Real Estate Review Board may all contribute in arriving at
a fair price. The State also pays a proportionate part of the real estate tax for
the current year, and interest from the date the property is acquired.
3.
MUST I ACCEPT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFER?
No. If, after the figure established as a fair market value has been offered to
the owner, the owner feels he or she is not being offered a fair price, he or
she has the right within two years to appeal to the courts. PENDING a court
decision, he or she can be paid a “protanto” (or “ for the time being”) amount
that in no way prejudices the court appeal.
4.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY HOUSE?
The owner will have the opportunity to buy back his or her house, provided
he or she has a location to which it can be moved; and the proper permits for
its removal. If the owner does not wish to repurchase, the house will be
advertised for bids. The highest bidder, who must also have a location and
permits for removal, will be awarded the house.
5.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MUST RELOCATE?
In addition to the fair market value of the property, the Department pays
certain relocation benefits for both owners and tenants of acquired
residences and businesses who meet eligibility requirements. Assistance in
relocation is also provided. Department brochures are available for details
on these benefits.
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION – BRIDGE NO. W-13-015
CEDAR STREET OVER ROUTE 9
Contract No. 65281
IN THE TOWN OF WELLESLEY MASSACHUSETTS
Bridge W-13-015
Cedar Street over Route 9
LOCUS MAP
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
PUBLIC HEARING
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION – BRIDGE NO. W-13-015
CEDAR STREET OVER ROUTE 9
Contract No. 65281
IN THE TOWN OF WELLESLEY MASSACHUSETTS
Project Location and Limits:
The project is located in the Town of Wellesley on Route 9, and includes the Cedar Street
Bridge over Route 9 (MassDOT Bridge Number W-13-015 BIN 2MH); the Cedar Street
roadway approaches to the bridge; the intersection of Cedar Street and Worcester Street;
and the Worcester Street roadway approaches to its intersection with Cedar Street. The
attached locus map shows the location of the project.
Project Purpose:
The proposed project consists of the reconstruction of Bridge Number W-13-015 carrying
Cedar Street over Route 9 in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The purpose of the project is to
upgrade deteriorated components of the bridge, restoring the structural integrity of the
bridge to statutory load capacity and extending its service life. The project will also
increase the vertical clearance under the bridge.
Existing Conditions:
Cedar Street is classified as an urban minor arterial and provides access to predominantly
commercial land uses north and south of Route 9. Cedar Street carries two travel lanes,
one in each direction, northbound and southbound through the project. Worcester Street
connects Route 9 eastbound to Cedar Street and provides two-way access to adjacent
commercial and residential development for a portion of the street and provides a single
one-way eastbound lane in the vicinity of the two access connections to Route 9. The
existing Cedar Street/Worcester Street intersection is signalized with two mast arms and
two 10-foot posts supporting traffic signals. The intersection consists of one
through/shared right turn lane and an exclusive left turn lane on both the northbound and
southbound Cedar Street approaches. The easterly westbound Worcester Street approach
consists of a single shared left turn/through/right turn lane and the westerly eastbound
approach consists of an exclusive left turn lane and a shared through/right turn lane. Right
turns on red are prohibited on all approaches. Sidewalks are located on both sides of Cedar
Street, but the easterly sidewalk north of Route 9 terminates at an existing concrete stair
that descends from Cedar Street to a sidewalk in the interchange infield.
Power and communication lines are carried overhead by utility poles located on the
easterly side of Cedar Street and the northerly side of Worcester Street. Electrical and
communication lines are also located underground, as are gas, sanitary sewer and water
lines.
Built in 1932, the existing two-span bridge has a cast in place concrete deck, supported
steel stringers, which are founded on a concrete pier and concrete abutments. The exterior
stringers are encased in concrete. The deck provides two travel lanes and sidewalks on
both sides. Concrete bridge railing provides protection on both sides of the bridge. The
minimum clearance under the bridge is 13’-9”.
Recent inspection reports indicate significant deterioration of the deck and superstructure
elements. The concrete deck and railing has numerous spalls, with exposed reinforcing
steel throughout both spans. Screens have been placed on top of the bottom flanges
between the interior stringers in both spans to protect motorists below from falling debris
from deck spalls. Netting has been wrapped around the fascia beams for the same reason.
There are numerous locations where concrete has fallen onto the screens. The steel
stringers and bearings are in fair to poor condition, with varying amounts of corrosion and
section loss. The concrete pier and abutments are in relatively good condition, with small
areas of spalling and cracking.
Proposed Improvements:
The scope of work includes the replacement of the bridge superstructure with a two-span
continuous steel stringer superstructure with cast-in-place concrete deck. Sidewalks will
be provided on both sides of the bridge, along with a 3’-6” high concrete barrier railing and
6’-1” high protective screening. The clearance underneath the bridge will be increased to
15’-0”, by modifying the vertical roadway profile and by utilizing a shallower
superstructure.
Accelerated bridge construction techniques will be employed to minimize the duration of
construction and impacts on the travelling public. The replacement superstructure will be
prefabricated on site within the east cloverleaf ramp north of the bridge to allow for
demolition of the existing superstructure and placement of the new superstructure within
a 72-hour period over the July 4th weekend, 2011. Self-Propelled Modular Transporters
(SPMT’s) will be used to roll the superstructure into place and set it onto the existing
bridge pier and abutments, which will have been repaired and modified to accommodate
the new superstructure.
The Cedar Street approaches to the bridge over Route 9 will be reconstructed to match the
new bridge and adjusted to final grade, along with similar adjustments to the Cedar
Street/Worcester Street intersection and Worcester Street approaches to the intersection.
The roadway width will remain the same as the existing roadway. The sidewalks on the
bridge approaches and at the Cedar Street/Worcester Street intersection will be
reconstructed to be ADA complaint. In addition, the easterly sidewalk on Cedar Street will
be extended further north beyond the existing stairs that are on the northerly side of Route
9 to match with an existing sidewalk that is further to the north. The traffic signal system at
the intersection will be completely replaced with new mast arms and traffic signal
equipment. The grass and wooded areas north of the Route 9 bridge will be restored after
the new bridge is in place, with new landscape plantings, loam, and seed. Existing utilities
will remain in service during construction, and no changes to utilities are proposed.
Traffic Management:
To minimize the duration of construction and subsequent traffic disruption, the section of
Cedar Street that is located over Route 9 will be closed to traffic from July 1, 2011 to the
end of the day on July 4, 2011 for the removal and replacement of the existing bridge using
accelerated construction techniques. In addition to the partial closure of Cedar Street, the
section of Route 9 that passes under the bridge will be closed to traffic during that holiday
weekend. Both Cedar Street and Route 9 traffic will be routed on detours during that time
period. The Route 9 eastbound detour will carry either one travel lane or two travel lanes,
depending on actual traffic volumes encountered, on Worcester Street through the Cedar
Street intersection and back to Route 9 eastbound. Because of this detour, Worcester Street
will be one-way for its entire length, and access/egress for abutters on Worcester Street
will be in a clockwise direction. The westbound Route 9 detour will likewise carry either
one or two travel lanes, diverting traffic through the interchange ramps that are north of
Route 9.
In the weeks prior to the commencement of the bridge replacement, portable variable
message signs will be positioned on I-95, Cedar Street and Route 9 to provide project alerts
and information to motorists.
Some preliminary construction work on Route 9 and Cedar Street will be conducted in the
weeks before and after the July 4th holiday weekend. Lane closures will be set up on Route
9 and Cedar Street during the night or off-peak day periods. One lane in each direction will
be maintained or will be under police control.
Environmental:
No environmental permits are required for the project.
Right of Way:
No permanent right of way takings are required for the project. Temporary construction
easements to access property adjacent to the work site will be needed for reseeding any
disturbed grass areas and constructing smooth driveway and sidewalk transitions.
Project Cost:
The estimated cost of the proposed reconstruction of the Cedar Street Bridge over Route 9
is approximately $3,450.00.
Project Status:
The plans on display tonight are at the 25% Design Stage. Comments received this evening
will be considered in determining the final design. The design and construction of this
project are anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2011.
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
IN
WELLESLEY
MASSACHUSETTS
CEDAR STREET OVER ROUTE 9
Contract No. 65281
Bridge No. W-13-015
This sheet is provided for your comments. Your input is solicited and appreciated.
Please return your sheet, with comments, to a staff member at the meeting, or mail to:
Frank A. Tramontozzi, P.E., Chief Engineer
MassDOT, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973
Attn: Design/Build Program
The final date for receipt of written statements and exhibits for inclusion into the official
hearing transcript will be ten (10) days after the Public Hearing. Please type or print
legibly.
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Frank A. Tramontozzi, P.E.
Chief Engineer
MassDOT, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116-3973
RE: PUBLIC HEARING
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION
CEDAR STREET OVER ROUTE 9
WELLESLEY, MA
CONTRACT NO. 65281
DESIGN/BUILD PROJECT