Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – November/December 2015
Why is MassDOT replacing the I-91 Viaduct Deck?
The I-91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project will replace the existing deck of the viaduct to improve safety and
accessibility on the busy interstate, reduce annual maintenance costs, and ensure long-term serviceability.
The existing viaduct was built in the late 1960s and put into service in 1970. The deck is in poor condition,
which requires frequent repairs, impacting traffic with lane closures. Replacing the deck will enhance safety,
reduce annual maintenance costs and provide many years of service. The project is being financed by the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (20%) and the Federal Highway Administration (80%).
How can I receive the latest project information?
The project website (www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab) will be updated for the duration of the
project with the latest information. Visit the website to sign up to receive email notifications of traffic
changes, public meetings, and other project updates.
What work is happening now?
MassDOT’s contractor, the Joint Venture of White-Schiavone (JV), is preparing the viaduct and local roads
for the start of major construction, which begins in winter 2015/16. On Sunday through Thursday nights
through fall 2015, one or two lanes on I-91 north and/or southbound may be closed during overnight hours to
allow the contractor to mill out the existing pavement and repair the concrete deck. If necessary, Friday and
Saturday night closures are also possible. This work is preparing the two outside lanes to handle traffic while
the inside lanes are being replaced.
Work on surface streets is preparing them for the anticipated increase in traffic volume when they are used
as detour routes while I-91 ramps are closed in the future stages. Local traffic is expected to use East and
West Columbus Avenues and Hall of Fame Avenue. The JV is upgrading intersections, installing new cameras
to monitor traffic, adjusting traffic light timing, and repairing and widening some roadways.
Please check the project website for more details on exact times and locations of the lane closures. You can
also sign up for project advisories on the website. As work nears the north end of the viaduct, overnight
closures of the I-291 on-ramp or off-ramp may be necessary. After repairs are completed, the roads will be
repaved and restriped.
Project Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
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Interstate 91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the major construction work begin?
Major construction will begin in winter 2015/16. Generally, the number of travel lanes on the viaduct will be
reduced by one in each direction to demolish and replace about one half of the roadway width per phase.
Two travel lanes in each direction will remain open for the duration of the project south of the I-291
Interchange.
During Stage 1B, from winter 2015/16 through late fall 2016, the inner travel lanes of I-91 north and
southbound along the median will be closed for deck replacement. I-91 north and southbound traffic will be
shifted to the right, using the shoulder and breakdown lanes. Speed limits have been reduced through the
work area until Full Beneficial Use of I-91 has been achieved (through late fall 2017). The contractor will
demolish and replace the deck in the area of the median and high-speed lane(s) of I-91, along with the I-291 onramp to I-91 southbound, and the left side of the I-291 off-ramp from I-91 North, in phases. Access to I-291 will
be maintained at all times with the possible exception of overnight closures. Ramp closures (see next
question) will include Exits 6 and 7 on I-91 southbound, the on-ramps to I-91 southbound from Birnie
Avenue/Route 20, and the on-ramps to I-91 northbound from State and Union Streets.
During construction, motorists may find that north-south regional trips that were previously convenient via I91 might be more easily accessed via Route 5 and I-90/I-291, depending on exact destinations and traffic
conditions. Motorists can also consider alternate modes of transportation (see the information below on the
MassRIDES program). For more detail on detour routes and traffic mitigation, review the project website.
The schedule for this major infrastructure project is subject to change without notice. All lane restrictions,
closures, and construction activities are weather dependent.
When will MassDOT close the I-91 on- and off-ramps to/from downtown Springfield?
Designated on- and off-ramps between I-91 and downtown Springfield will be closed in winter 2015/16 until
late fall 2017 for safety and operational reasons, and to expedite construction. The following ramps will be
closed in winter 2015/16:
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Union Street on-ramp to I-91 North
State Street on-ramp to I-91 North
Exit 7 off-ramp from I-91 South
Exit 6 off-ramp from I-91 South
Route 20 connector to I-91 South
Birnie Avenue connector (closed since October 2015)
The following ramp will be closed in late fall 2016 for the first part of Stage 2 when traffic is initially shifted to
the center of the viaduct:
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Exit 9 off-ramp from I-91 North to Route 20
The JV is building a new Birnie Avenue off-ramp (temporary Exit 7-6) for I-91 southbound traffic to access
downtown Springfield, the Memorial Bridge, and the Basketball Hall of Fame area.
Project Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
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Interstate 91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the project’s temporary ramps, what can be done to mitigate the traffic
impacts resulting from the reduced lanes and ramp closures on the I-91 viaduct?
Fewer vehicles on the highway and local streets, especially during morning and afternoon peak commuting
hours, mean less traffic congestion and fewer delays. MassDOT conducted a Springfield commuter survey
during the development of the project and found that 96% of commuters traveled alone and 39% had some
flexibility in their work schedule. MassRIDES is a free program of MassDOT designed to help reduce traffic
congestion and improve air quality and mobility. To accomplish these goals, MassRIDES works with both
employers and commuters within the Commonwealth to promote the use of commute options. Through
hands-on worksite assistance, ridematching services, marketing and outreach events, MassRIDES annually
offers thousands of commuters and employers time- and money-saving solutions for a better commute in
Massachusetts. Many large employers in the project area are already MassRIDES partners. To find out more
visit the MassRIDES website: www.commute.com.
When will MassDOT close the ramps from I-291 to I-91 in Springfield?
The project will maintain access to/from I-291, with some exceptions during overnight hours.
Announcements of these closures will be posted to the project website and distributed to the project email
list (sign up for email updates on the project website).
Where can I find detour information during road and ramp closures?
Detours will be posted on the project website and shared with the project email list (sign up for email
updates on the project website) as soon as road and ramp closures are announced. Local TV, print, and
online media will also be made aware of major changes and detours.
What are the impacts to the I-91 North and South Parking Garages?
Portions of the parking garages will be closed on a rotating basis to implement repairs to the viaduct. The
contractor is required to keep 450 spaces of the upper garage levels open except when work occurs directly
above the ramps leading to the upper levels. MassDOT has been working with the Springfield Parking
Authority to keep the facility open and safe. Notice of location changes will be posted in the garage and
garage entrances will remain open except for short periods of work. The north entrance to the North
Parking Garage will be closed beginning in Stage 1B (winter 2015/16) for the duration of the project. This
closure is necessary to prevent traffic queuing and causing delays on West Columbus Avenue. The north exit
will remain open, but only right turns will be permitted out of the garage onto East Columbus Avenue.
How will the project protect the Connecticut River?
The federal Clean Water Act requires that the I-91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project comply with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
stormwater permit. Silt sacks will be installed in all surrounding stormwater catch basins to prevent debris
from entering. The project Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requires weekly inspections for
compliance with the NPDES permit. Read more on EPA’s website:
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/stormwater/EPA-Construction-General-Permit.cfm.
The project also includes the creation of structures to treat highway stormwater runoff from the viaduct
that currently discharges into the City of Springfield’s sewer system. A portion of the new drainage will
discharge into stormwater detention basins on the northern half of the project.
Project Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
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Interstate 91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any tree cutting or clearing associated with the project?
The contract contains specific requirements for protecting and/or replacing trees that might be impacted by
construction. The JV does not anticipate the need to cut any trees. Only one tree may require protection
when the contractor adjusts curb lines on the existing roads.
How will the project team manage dust resulting from construction activities?
The JV is responsible for controlling construction-related dust emissions at all times during construction.
Water, calcium chloride and soil stabilizers may be applied to control dust with sprinklers, tanks, trucks, and
other devices. Wind screens and/or wind barriers will also be used to control the spread of dust between
sidewalks and the work zone. The following techniques will help prevent the generation of dust:
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Using water to limit dust generation during concrete and asphalt cutting (no dry cutting)
Using sprays of water during demolition and when loading materials into equipment and vehicles
Covering stockpiles with plastic tarps
Releasing excavated or aggregate materials from minimal heights
What is the difference between the I-91 Viaduct Rehabilitation Project and the I-91 Viaduct
Study?
MassDOT is currently implementing two efforts related to the I-91 Viaduct in Springfield – the I-91 Viaduct
Rehabilitation Project and the I-91 Viaduct Study. The purpose of the Viaduct Rehabilitation Project is to
replace the bridge deck and rehabilitate the structure to improve safety and extend the life of the viaduct.
The I-91 Viaduct Study is identifying existing issues and evaluating alternative alignments for the viaduct. The
planning study will result in a report that recommends and analyzes future alternatives. These may include
at-grade and below-grade alternatives, which could be less disruptive to the urban environment, while
providing a regional highway connection that is more environmentally and financially sustainable in the longterm than the existing configuration. The study and implementation of recommendations will take many
years to complete, so the two projects are taking place concurrently. For more information, visit the I-91
Viaduct Study website: www.massdot.state.ma.us/i91viaductstudy.
Project Website: www.mass.gov/massdot/I91ViaductRehab
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