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
The term “Viaduct” is defined as a long, high bridge that
carries a road over other roads or features
Meeting Purpose
 Update public on progress since Governor announcement in Nov. 2013
 Solicit comments from the public
 Update on the Feasibility Analysis performed resulting in the deck
replacement project
 Planning project investigating I-91 replacement options/alignment
alternatives proceeds on a parallel track; duration 18months+/-.
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 Scope

Award the Springfield Viaduct Rehabilitation Project Nov. 2014

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
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

The use of Accelerated Bridge Construction is proposed.

ABC reduces mobility impacts and improves work zone safety

Prefabricated elements are made off-site and shipped to the jobsite

Allows for two major construction stages

The use of prefabricated elements will reduce the overall construction duration
(goal is to reduce construction time by ½)

Preliminary duration is 5-6 construction seasons (conventional construction)
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

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 and West Columbus

Primary detours to utilize East and West Columbus 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

2-lane I-91 can process approximately 3,500 vph per direction – adequate
capacity for all but peak hours of travel
Volumes
I-91 Northbound On and Off Ramp Locations
On-ramp from East Columbus Ave/Union Street
On-ramp north of State Street
I-91 Southbound on and off Ramp Locations
On-Ramp from Route 20
Off-Ramp to Columbus Ave/Downtown Springfield/Boland Way (exit 7)
Off-Ramp to Union Street (exit 6)

Weekday Morning
Peak Hour
Ramp
I-91
820
5100
250
5350
325
790
490
3405
4180
3690
Weekday Evening
Peak Hour
Ramp
I-91
955
4780
650
5430
615
630
455
3445
4230
3775
Weekend Evening
Peak Hour
Ramp
I-91
583
3115
279
3394
231
306
261
231
927
666
Displaced ramp volumes represent worst case - anticipate decrease in volume
related to construction
Traffic – Traffic Impacts

Comprehensive analysis to identify impacts to local streets/intersections underway

Assess impact to Route 5

Anticipate increased congestion primarily on East and West Columbus Avenues

Critical Intersections:

West Columbus Ave at West Union and Union Street

West Columbus Avenue at State Street

East Columbus Avenue at Boland Way

West Columbus Avenue at Boland Way and Memorial Bridge

East Columbus Avenue at Liberty Street (unsignalized)
Traffic – Traffic Impacts
 Anticipated Mitigation

Police Details at critical intersections during peak periods

Comprehensive monitoring program of key corridors/intersections

Traffic signal operational and equipment upgrades

Capacity enhancements (where possible)

Real Time Traffic Management System
Construction Impacts
 Two parking structures exist within the
project limits
 The use of ABC will reduce the impacts
to the parking structures
 Temporary closures of certain areas will
be required
 Coordination with other projects in the
project area.
Bridge Details
Bridge Details
Bridge Details
Bridge Details
Bridge Details
Bridge Details
Looking Forward
 Continue designing the following:

Traffic Analyses

Highway Safety Improvements

Bridge Design Elements

Constructability Issues

Environmental Permitting

Additional Public Involvement
Public Involvement
 Seeking stakeholder review of traffic and design plans
 Project website www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
 Developing project fact sheet
 Community briefings
 Providing for English and Spanish materials and interpreters
 Notices and eblasts on traffic changes during construction
How to Contact Us
 Sign up on the project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
 Submit comments or questions to the Project Manager, Michael O’Dowd,
Massachusetts Highway Department, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, 02116,
857-368-9292
 Or email: Michael.O’Dowd@state.ma.us