PROJECT UPDATE
Project File No. 607731
December 3, 2014
Introduction
 The Rehabilitation Project will replace the deck of the I-91 Viaduct, which
is in poor condition, to reduce repair cost, increase safety and accessibility
 It is running concurrent with a study of long-term Alternatives for the
Viaduct
 The Alternatives Study will have a robust outreach program; investigate
alternatives; and look to permitting, funding and construction options –
all long-term activities (possibly more than a 10 year process)
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 Need
 The I-91 Viaduct is a critical part of the Interstate Highway System and
closing this structure would have significant impacts to western MA.
 Annual maintenance to the bridge deck is increasing
 MassDOT wants to be proactive in maintaining the reliability of this
roadway and extending the structure’s service life.
Project Limits
The term “Viaduct” is defined as a long, high bridge that
carries a road over other roads or features
Project Scope
 Rehabilitation Project includes the following:

Complete deck replacement

Painting of structural steel, replacement of bearings, structural steel repairs

Improve bridge drainage and highway lighting

Other safety improvements, such as I-291/I-91 merge
 Comprehensive Traffic Management
Project Schedule
 September 27, 2014
Project Advertised
 December 2014
Plans available to the Bidders
 February 15, 2015
Bid Opening
 March 2015
Contract Award
 April 2015
Notice to Proceed
 May 2015
Preconstruction Meeting
Bridge Data
 Bridge was built in the late 1960’s
 I-91 Northbound and I-291 EB Ramp represent 67 spans and approx.
321,000 SF of bridge deck
 I-91 Southbound and I-291 WB Ramp represent 62 spans and approx.
293,000 SF of bridge deck
 The structure is approximately 4,400 feet in length
Construction

Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques using prefabricated elements is
proposed to reduce overall construction time.

Incentives/Disincentives also being employed to accelerate the construction
and open I-91, minimizing delays, construction and disruption to Springfield.

Suggested construction sequence allows for two major stages.

The use of ABC and Incentives/Disincentives may reduce the overall
construction duration by from 6+ years to 3+ years
Traffic – Existing Conditions

Interstate 91 traffic volumes (collected during highest months of traffic volume)

Weekdays: 72,000 ADT

Weekends: 54,000 ADT

I-91 AM peak traffic volumes range between 2,800-4,500 vph per direction

I-91 PM peak traffic volumes range between 3,100-5,700 vph per direction

Individual I-291 ramps process between 1,300-1,800 vph during peak hours

Employee/commuter survey completed

Three (3) lanes per direction with numerous ramps within project area

Traffic consists of approximately 1/3 regional, 1/3 to/from I-291, and 1/3 local trips
Traffic – Traffic Management Approach

Numerous traffic management approaches evaluated

Existing physical constraints (roadway width) limited options

Limited duration of construction/impacts preferred – 2 stage approach proposed

Two-lanes in each direction to be maintained on I-91

Maintain access to/from I-291

Selected ramps to be closed for operational/safety reasons and to expedite construction

Access to downtown and local businesses will be maintained utilizing East Columbus and HOF

Primary detours to utilize East Columbus and HOF Avenues
Traffic -
Traffic Management Approach
(Stage 1)
(Stage
1)
Traffic - Traffic Management Approach
Traffic -
Traffic Management Approach
(Stage 2)
Traffic -
Traffic Management Approach
(Stage 2)
Traffic – Traffic Impacts/Mitigation

Comprehensive analysis to identify impacts to local streets/intersections completed

Anticipate increased congestion primarily on East Columbus and HOF Avenues

Critical Intersections:

East Columbus Avenue at Boland Way

HOF at Boland Way and Memorial Bridge

East Columbus Avenue at Hampden Street

East Columbus Avenue at Liberty Street (unsignalized)

HOF Ave at West Union and Union Street

HOF Avenue at State Street
Traffic – Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
Traffic – Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
Enhanced Connection
and Roadway
Reconstruction
Modified Lane Use
and Signal Phasing
Traffic – Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
Traffic – Traffic Impacts/Mitigation
 Additional Mitigation

Police Details at critical intersections during peak periods

Comprehensive monitoring program of key corridors/intersections

Monitoring Cameras

Real Time Traffic Management System (RTTM)

Incident Response Operations (IRO)
Construction Impacts
 Two parking structures exist within the
project limits - Temporary closures of
certain areas will be required
(minimum number of spaces required
to remain open on top levels at all
times)
 Coordination with other projects in the
project area, including West Springfield
Rotary and Casino projects
Public Outreach Coordination
Contractor will be working closely with,

MassDOT to communicate project information and engage the public

The Cities of Springfield, West Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam,
Longmeadow, and East Longmeadow

Abutting businesses

And all other stakeholders during construction.
Contractor will be required to:
 Retain a firm that specializes in public outreach to facilitate
required communication and coordination efforts
 Hire a public outreach coordinator with 5 years of similar
MassDOT work experience
 Develop a Public Participation Plan and Public Participation
Outreach Plan
These plans will focus on:
 Updating the public and all stakeholders on the status of the project
accordingly. Updates include but are not limited to:
•
Anticipated work efforts including work hours
•
Potential community impacts
•
And applicable mitigation.
 Coordinating activities, meetings, written and graphic materials that will be
prepared throughout the project
 And laying out a general proposed schedule for these activities.
MassDOT will use all available resources to communicate Project
information including, but not limited to:
Broadcast and print media
Factsheets
 Variable message signs
Fliers
 Dedicated Project website
E-mail
 Social media
Presentations
 Highway Advisory Radio (HAR)
Briefings
 Existing MassDOT and other
Commonwealth websites
Meetings
 Newsletters
Signs
The Contractor shall make the following documents available on
the MassDOT website:
 Information for a weekly update, including a 90-day schedule, detailed updates for the upcoming two
weeks, including anticipated problems and any changes in information to be provided to the public.
 Photographs and video footage of Project activities after completion of milestones
 Presentation slides, presentation boards, and graphics
 Daily traffic updates and alerts
 Detour maps of each detour route for use on the website and distribution to media, stakeholder groups,
etc.
 Written content and graphics for Project newsletters and the website.