I-91 Viaduct Public Information Briefing
Project File No. 607731
MassDOT Contract No. 85020
Briefing no. 4
March 15, 2016
Agenda
 Welcome and Presenter introductions
 Update on Construction and Demolition Activities
(Stage 1B)
 Next: Stage 2 Starts in Late Fall 2016
 Traffic Management & Mitigation
 Public Involvement and Outreach
Project Purpose
To replace the bridge deck of the I-91 Viaduct in
Springfield, due to its poor condition. The result will be a
more reliable and dependable highway.
Project Limits
Project Scope

Rehabilitation includes the following:

Complete deck replacement
 Painting of structural steel, replacement of bearings,
structural steel repairs
 Improved bridge drainage and highway lighting (on the
highway, surface streets under the viaduct, upper levels of
the north and south garage, and the Columbus Avenue
railroad underpass)
 Other safety improvements, such as at the I-291/I-91 merge

Comprehensive Traffic Management
The Joint Venture Constructing the Project
J.F. White Contracting Co. – A General Contractor
performing heavy civil work in Massachusetts for over
90 years.
Schiavone Construction Co. – A General Contractor
performing heavy civil work in the northeast region
for over 50 years.
Construction Schedule
Full Beneficial Use / I-91, I-291 & Assoc. Ramps
The majority of the contract work has been completed and
the asset(s) has been opened for full multi-modal
transportation use, except for limited contract work items
that do not materially impair or hinder the intended public
use of the transportation facility. All anticipated lane takings
have been completed. This includes completion of
superstructure work, bridge barrier, permanent guardrail,
removal of temporary concrete barriers, final paving,
permanent traffic markings and signage, permanent lighting.
Substantial Completion
The majority the roadway and utility work is complete on the
municipal streets and the remaining work not directly
requiring lanes taken on the I-91, I-291, and the associated
lanes is complete. Completed work includes all structural
steel repairs, painting of structural steel, bearing
replacements, installation of municipal street lighting, final
paving and traffic markings at the municipal street level,
Restoration of all disturbed areas.
Field Completion
All physical contract Work is complete including punchlist.
The Contractor has fully demobilized from field operations.
Now: Stage 1B Construction

Inner lanes and median closed for construction of new median and highspeed lanes

Traffic moved to right/outer lanes

Reconstruction of I-291 westbound on-ramp to I-91 South

Ramp closures and detours (maps and directions handout available):


On-ramp from Birnie Ave/Rte.20 Connector to I-91 South

Exits 6 and 7 on I-91 South (detour to temporary ramp north of Exit 8)

On-ramps to I-91 North from State St and Union St (detour to East Columbus
Ave)
Closure of north entrance to North Parking Garage, exit remains open
Now: Deck Demolition

Began in February

Removing pavement and
reinforced concrete piece by
piece

Saw cutting steel reinforcement
bars within deck

Two shifts: day (7:00 AM to 5:00
PM) and night (4:00 PM to
midnight)

Noise mitigation: noise control
curtains, special back-up alarms
for equipment
Traffic - Traffic Management (Stage 1B)
*
*On sections north of I-291, NB and SB are separated by grade.
Stage 1B Progress Photos
Stage 1B Progress Photos
Stage 1B Progress Photos
Stage 1B Progress Photos
Remaining Stage 1B Work

Continuing demolition of all Stage 1B decks.

Clean, prime & paint beam top flanges.

Install stay-in-place (SIP) forms & rebar.

Replace bridge bearings and pin & hanger connections.

Pour new concrete decks & barriers (over 100 spans).

Install membrane waterproofing & pave deck.

Install new signage.

Install Stage 2 traffic pattern.
Traffic Management

To maximize work space, safety and limit confusion, there will
be two major phases of work. Each phase will result in a
reduction of one lane from the existing configuration.

The project maintains access to/from I-291.

Designated on/off ramps remain closed until late fall of 2017 for
operational/safety reasons and to expedite construction.

Access to downtown and local businesses will be maintained
using East and West Columbus and Hall of Fame Avenues.

Continuing analysis of traffic conditions and response to issues
as they arise.
Traffic Management (Stage 1B)
Traffic Mitigation






Initial testing of detours took place to observe and make
adjustments, if needed
Police details are provided at critical intersections during peak
periods, if needed
Comprehensive monitoring program of key
corridors/intersections – traffic plan is updated when needed,
based on impacts
Monitoring cameras tied into the City of Springfield
Real Time Traffic Management System (RTTM) – continuously
updated message boards to deliver information in real-time
Incident Response Operations (IRO)
Next: Stage 2
Traffic Management Approach (Stage 2)
Traffic Mitigation - RTTM
Traffic Mitigation - RTTM

Message boards w/ live traffic updates

Traffic alerts to key personnel

Aid Emergency Responders for efficient response

Highway Advisory Radio – 530 AM
Traffic Mitigation – RTTM Screen
Traffic Mitigation – RTTM Screen
Detour signs for Downtown and attractions
Speed Limits

Speed reduced from 50 to
45 MPH approaching the
work zone, with 40 mph
limit in the zone

Double fines in the work
zone

State Police enforcement
for driver and
construction team safety
Travel Without Limits
Taylor Rock
MassRIDES Programs



Online Ride Matching
Commuter Incentives
Emergency Ride Home
NuRide.com/MassRIDES
Encouraging Mode Shift
MassRIDES = Statewide Travel Options Program





Carpool, vanpool, transit, bike, walk, telework
Reduce traffic congestion
Reduce emissions
Employers - outreach and worksite services
Commuters - ridematching, incentives, promotions and
marketing
MassRIDES Outreach

325+ partner organizations, including:



MassMutual, Baystate Medical Center, American International
College, City of Springfield, Peter Pan Bus Company, Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority,
Springfield Technical Community College, United PersonnelSpringfield, Western New England University, Westfield State
University
465,000+ commuters
Worksite focus – commute travel
Taylor Rock
taylor.rock@dot.state.ma.us
857-368-8654
www.commute.com
Public Involvement

Quarterly update meetings

Expanded project website:
www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab

Project fact sheets & community briefings

Notices and e-blasts on traffic changes during construction and
responses to inquiries

Project updates on social media

English and translated materials and interpreters available upon
request
How to Contact Us
 Sign up on the project website for email information
and updates:
www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
 Send questions or concerns to:
i91viaduct@state.ma.us
THANK YOU!
Questions?