Welcome to the Public Meeting
Project File No. 607731
MassDOT Contract No. 85020
September 24, 2015
Public Meeting Agenda
 Update on Construction Activities (Stage 1A)
 Next: Stage 1B starts in winter 2015/16
 Traffic Management & Mitigation
 MassRIDES Program
 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
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Rehabilitation includes the following:
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Complete deck replacement
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Painting of structural steel, replacement of bearings, structural steel repairs
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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)
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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
Right Now: Stage 1A
 Ongoing work:
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Preparing outer lanes of bridge deck
to hold through traffic
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Reconfiguring local streets; updating
signals; preparing detours
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Construction of West Columbus
Avenue Extension and temporary offramp from I-91 SB at Birnie Avenue
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Utility work
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Stage 1A Progress Photos
Remaining Stage 1A Work
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Overnight Lane Closures of I-91 NB & SB for Pre-Emptive Repair Work
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Overnight Closures of I-291 Ramps
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Closure of Birnie Ave Connector to Construct Temporary Ramp 1 from I-91SB Expected Start date - October 5, 2015
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Clinton Street Closure for Reconstruction & Drainage Improvements
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Milling & Paving of East & West Columbus from Gridiron Street north to I91/Rte. 20
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Signal Upgrades & Reconfiguration throughout the project
Next: Stage 1B (Winter 2015/16 – Late Fall 2016)
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Inner lanes and median closed for construction of new median and high-speed lanes
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Traffic moved to right/outer lanes
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Reconstruction of new I-291 on-ramp to I-91 southbound
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Ramp closures:
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On-ramp from Birnie Ave/Rte.20 Connector to I-91 Southbound
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Exists 6 and 7 on I-91 southbound (detour to temporary ramp north of Exit 8)
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On-ramps to I-91 northbound from State St and Union St (detour to East Columbus Ave)
Closure of north entrance to North Parking Garage, Exit Remains Open
Traffic Management
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The design team evaluated several approaches to traffic management within
the roadway constraints. 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.
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The project will maintain access to/from I-291
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Designated on/off ramps will be closed in late 2015 until the until late fall of
2017 for operational/safety reasons and to expedite construction
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Access to downtown and local businesses will be maintained using East and
West Columbus and Hall of Fame Avenues
Traffic - Traffic Management (Stage 1B)
Traffic - Traffic Management (Stage 1B)
Traffic Mitigation
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Initial testing of detours before full closure to observe and make
adjustments, if needed
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Police Details at critical intersections during peak periods
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Comprehensive monitoring program of key corridors/intersections – traffic
plan will be updated based on impacts
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Monitoring Cameras tied into the City of Springfield
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Real Time Traffic Management System (RTTM) - signage
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Incident Response Operations (IRO)
I-91 Northbound Ramp Closures
I-91 NB Detour
I-91 Southbound Ramp Closures
I-91S/I-291 WB Detour
Birnie Avenue Closure
New Temporary Signal
Birnie Avenue Detour
Scheduled to begin October 5, 2015
Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
Modified Lane Use
and Signal Phasing
Enhanced Connection
and Roadway
Reconstruction
Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
New Traffic Signals
Traffic Mitigation - RTTM
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Message Boards w/ Live Traffic Updates
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Traffic Alerts to Key Personnel
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Aid Emergency Responders for efficient response
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Highway Advisory Radio – AM Frequency
Traffic Mitigation - RTTM
Traffic Mitigation – RTTM
Representation
of what will be
available on
MassDOT’s
internal system
Detour signs for
Downtown and
attractions
Speed Limits
 New speed limits in the work zone
 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
Encouraging Mode Shift
MassRIDES = Statewide Travel Options Program
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Carpool, vanpool, transit, bike, walk, telework
Reduce traffic congestion
Reduce emissions
Employers - outreach and worksite services
Commuters - ridematching, incentives, promotions and marketing
Policies & Initiatives
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Reduce Green House Gas emissions
Reduce drive-alone trips
Active transportation choices
Increase bicycle and pedestrian travel
Sustainable transportation practices
Smart growth development
MassRIDES Outreach
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325+ partner organizations, including:
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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
MassRIDES Employer Outreach Services
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Foundation/
Educational
Commute Options Programs
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Onsite Support/ 
Added Visibility 
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Policy/
Financial
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Marketing – newsletters, orientations
Emergency Ride Home
Onsite events
Preferential parking
Bike racks, showers, lockers
Transit passes available
Monthly promotions
Transit, vanpool subsidies
Formal telework, CWW
Pre-tax benefits
Shuttle, carshare
Incentives
MassRIDES Programs
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Online Ride Matching
Commuter Incentives
Emergency Ride Home
NuRide.com/MassRIDES
Taylor Rock
taylor.rock@dot.state.ma.us
857-368-8654
www.commute.com
Public Involvement
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Quarterly update meetings
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Project website www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
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Project fact sheets & community briefings
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Notices and e-blasts on traffic changes during construction
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Project updates on social media
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Written notice was provided to area abutters and sensitive receptors
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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
Questions?
 Thank You for Attending!