Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
25% Design Public Hearing ● January 9, 2013
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Purpose of Tonight’s Hearing
•
Overview of 25% design plans
•
Update on new features and elements
•
Discuss design and construction schedule
•
Answer questions and hear comments
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Where are we in the project?
Getting ready for construction
STEP 1
Value
Engineering
Study
This study –
required by FHWA –
suggested
investigating
removing Rte. 79
Viaduct at the I-195
Interchange.
April 2009
STEP 2
Feasibility
Study
Detailed review of
Value Engineering
Study to assess
feasibility of
removing Rte 79
Viaduct at the I-195
Interchange.
July 2009
STEP 3
Planning –
Alternatives
Study
The level of design
at the end of this
stage is
“conceptual.”
December 2009 –
July 2010
STEP 4
State (MEPA) &
Federal (NEPA)
Environmental
Review
This more detailed
engineering and
environmental
analysis will lead to
plans about 15% to
20% complete.
STEP 5
Preliminary
Engineering
First intensive
design stage. This
step will take about
12-14 months and
the design at the
end will be 25%
complete.
May 2011 – Oct. 2012
August 2010 –
September 2012
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
STEP 6
Hire DesignBuild Team to
Finish Design &
Build Project
This stage will take
about 44 months.
Construction of Rte.
79 Project complete
fall of 2016
Modified Design-Build Procurement Process
• Phase 1 Qualifications Stage Complete
• Phase 2 underway
– Request for Proposals (RFP) released 12/28/12
– Confidential Contractor meetings with MassDOT
– Technical/Price Proposals due 3/25/13
– Bid Opening on 5/1/13
– Contractor Notice to Proceed June 2013
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Project Background
• Interchange has many structurally
deficient bridges and is in disrepair
• Original plan was rehabilitation
• Commonwealth’s Accelerated Bridge
Program provided funds for
comprehensive solution
• In-depth alternatives study aided by
local Task Force determined
removing elevated roadway was
preferred alternative
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
What Has Happened So Far?
• Alternatives study
• State & federal environmental
review
• Task Force and public review
• Key environmental permits
received
• 25% design engineering
PERMITS SUMMARY
Permit or Approval
Rec’d
National Environ. Policy Act Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI)

Mass. Environ. Policy Act Certificate
Army Corps of Engineers Sect. 404
Category 2 General Permit


Wetlands Protection Act Order of Conditions

DEP Waterways Chapter 91 License
pending
• Preliminary right-of-way plans
Coastal Zone Management Concurrence on
Federal Consistency


• Braga Bridge Phase I
Sect.106 of National Historic Preservation Act
Finding of No Adverse Effect

DEP Section 401 Water Quality Certificate
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Project Purpose and Goals
• Address structural deficiencies
• Reduce life-cycle costs
• Address substandard roadway geometry
• Improve connections with I-195 and Rte. 79
• Meet Legislative funding requirements
• Improve project-area aesthetics
• Minimize impacts to historic and cultural resources
• Remain consistent with area planning
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Proposed Project
Rte. 79
New Connection
to Anawan
Street
Repair and paint
Braga Bridge
Elevated
Roadway
removed;
replaced at
grade.
Rte. 79
New Connection
to Central Street
New Water Street
Connector at
Rte. 79
4 lanes between
Central and
Anawan
Milliken
Connector
Eastbound and
Westbound
Ramp from
Central Street to
I-195 eliminated
Connector Street
(Pocasset to Milliken)
will become two-way
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Project Start: Columbia St. - Water Street Connector
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
I-195 On-ramp – Heritage State Park
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Community Boating Parking – Project End at Turnaround
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
I-195 Connections
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
MassDOT Right-of-Way Process
• MassDOT Highway Division Right-of-Way Bureau is
responsible for acquiring all the “right(s) of way” for
road projects
• Comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and
Real Property Acquisition Act
• Representatives from MassDOT ROW Bureau will
contact property owners directly as the design
progresses
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Property Impacts
• Project is mostly within the existing public layout
roadway right-of-way
• No residential or business relocations anticipated
• Two full commercial takings (small vacant or
undeveloped parcels at 21 Broadway and gas co.)
• Partial takings throughout project area for corner
rounding, retaining walls and utility adjustments
• Temporary easements for construction
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stormwater Improvements
• Replace deficient and non-compliant
drainage systems
• Separate combined storm and sewer
infrastructure in compliance with
City’s CSO program
• Address stormwater runoff treatment
for controlled discharge
• Improve the water quality condition
of the Taunton River Watershed
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Pedestrian Improvements
Pedestrian Improvements
• Elevated roadway removed
New &
improved
sidewalks
throughout
Shared-use
path connects
Milliken Blvd. &
Rte. 79
• Three new signalized
intersections
• New and improved sidewalks
• New crosswalks
• Improved lighting
Milliken Blvd.
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
• Shared-use path connecting
Milliken Blvd. & Rte. 79.
Environmental Mitigation
• Erosion controls and Best Management Practices will protect
wetlands, Crab Pond and the Quequechan and Taunton Rivers
• Air quality: A variety of dust-control measures will be
implemented
• Noise control: Some overnight work (after 10 pm) will be
necessary. Noise limits will be set to minimize noise impacts.
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Project Refinements Since Environmental Review
• Braga Bridge steel repairs and painting project added to
the Rte. 79 project
• Landscaping and streetscape design
• Heritage Park passive recreation improvements
• Traffic management plans for combined work zones
• Preliminary wall and bridge designs completed
• Preliminary right-of-way plans
• RFP issued to 3 short-listed Design-Build teams
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Ongoing Project Added to the Rte. 79 Interchange Project
• Phase II of the project will complete
the Braga Bridge work
• Repairs to:
– Structural elements
– Concrete repairs
– Expansion joints
• Complete cleaning and painting
underside of bridge
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Significant Advantages to Combining
Rte. 79 and Braga Bridge Projects
• Single contractor
• Coordinated traffic management plans
• Incentive and disincentive clauses are
allowed
• Communications with drivers,
abutters, and residents will be
coordinated
• Shorter duration for Braga Bridge work
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Construction Overview
•
Construction summer 2013 though fall 2016
•
Local and regional access provided by Rte.
79 will be provided at all times via alternate
routes or Rte. 79
•
Regional through traffic will be diverted to
Rte. 24, I-195 and Veterans Memorial Bridge
•
Detours for local traffic will direct motorists
to alternate roadways for local access
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Construction Overview, cont.
•
Detailed work plans will be developed with
Fall River and Somerset input
•
Access and signage for Battleship Cove area
will be provided throughout project
•
Emergency services will briefed by D-B Team
at each major construction stage
•
Communications via website, changeable
message signs, and public information
campaign
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 1
Focus is on Rte. 79 corridor
• Close Rte. 79
• Demolish Rte. 79 elevated
road
• Demolish ramps
connecting I-195 and Rte.
79
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 1
Rebuild Rte. 79 At-Grade
• Open Water Street
Connector
• Build new at-grade roadway
from Central Street to new
Water Street Connector
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 1
Rebuild Rte. 79 At-Grade
• Open Water Street
Connector
• Complete work on Rte.
79 north of Central Street
• Begin reconnecting Rte.
79 to I-195 at northern
end of project
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 2
Focus is Spaghetti Ramps
• Close Rte. 79
• Demolish Rte. 79 elevated road
• Demolish ramps connecting I-195
and Rte. 79
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 2
Focus is on the
Spaghetti Ramps
• Rte. 79 is open
• Demolish I-195 on- and offramps in interchange
• Access to the Central
Business District is via
Plymouth Avenue interchange
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Stage 2
Focus is on
Reconnecting
Spaghetti Ramps
• Access to/from
Rte. 79 to I-195
restored
• Access to CBD
restored with
Milliken Connector
• Build I-195 ramp to
Rte. 79 north
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Landscape & Streetscape South
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Landscape & Streetscape North
• Landscaped buffers
• Street trees
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Gates of the City Restoration
New benches &
bollards
New
pedestrian-only
plaza
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Landscape & Streetscape
• Street trees
• Improvements to views,
paths, nodes, continuity
and image will be
designed by DesignBuild contractor
• Concept for streetscape
improvements
• 4 interpretive signs
throughout project area
Water St.
Connector
Proposed Waterfront District Entry Area
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Project-wide Improvements
• Community Boating
parking reconstructed
• Utility improvements
• Benches, picnic tables
and bike racks
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Construction Stages:
Detours
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Construction Staging
•
Early construction activities focus on
upgrades and temporary improvements to
facilitate construction and access
•
Vehicular, pedestrian, cyclist, large truck
access to Battleship Cove area will be
maintained at all times
•
Traffic signal monitoring required at 22
locations
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Construction Management
Traffic Mitigation:
– Staged construction
– Alternate routes for traffic NOT headed
to the CBD will be identified
– Early and ongoing public information,
variable message signs, media
releases, e-alerts for drivers
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Next Steps
•
MassDOT will review 25% design hearing comments
•
MassDOT will secure its final permit (Ch. 91)
•
MassDOT will select Design-Build team spring 2013
and give contractor Notice to Proceed early summer
•
Selected contractor will hold kickoff public meeting
summer 2013
•
Rte. 79 Project construction: mid-2013 through 2016
•
Braga Bridge Project construction ends spring 2017
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
How to Comment on the
25% design plans
• Speak at this hearing—the verbatim transcript will
be reviewed
• Use the self-mailer in the handout or use your own
stationery or paper (address in handout and below)
• Fax or e-mail
Thomas F. Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer
MassDOT Highway Division
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
Attention: Michael O’Dowd, Project File No. 605223
E-mail Stephanie.Boundy@state.ma.us
Fax Chief Engineer fax 857-368-0618
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs
Questions & Answers
www.mass.gov/massdot/route79project
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction &
Braga Bridge Phase II Painting and Structural Repairs