25% DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING
January 9, 2013
at
HERITAGE STATE PARK VISITORS CENTER
200 Davol Street
Fall River, Massachusetts
6:30 PM
For the Proposed
ROUTE 79/I-195 INTERCHANGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
(Inc. Bridges F-02-013, F-02-014, F-02-016, F-02-059 & F-02-093)
Structural Repairs and Painting of Braga Bridge Phase II
Project No. 605223
IN THE CITY OF FALL RIVER AND TOWN OF SOMERSET,
MASSACHUSETTS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
FRANCIS A. DE PAOLA, P.E.
HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR
THOMAS F. BRODERICK, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FALL RIVER ROUTE 79/I-195 INTERCHANGE RECONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND PAINTING OF BRAGA BRIDGE PHASE II PROJECT
Project File No. 605223
A 25% Design Public Hearing will be held by MassDOT - Highway Division to discuss
the proposed Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction and Structural Repairs and
Painting of Braga Bridge Phase II Project in Fall River, MA.
WHERE: Heritage State Park
200 Davol Street
Fall River, MA 02720
WHEN:
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
PURPOSE: The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to
become fully acquainted with the proposed Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction
and Structural Repairs and Painting of Braga Bridge Phase II Project. Following the
presentation, MassDOT staff will lead a discussion to answer questions and gather public
comment. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered
to the maximum extent possible.
PROPOSAL: The project will remove the existing two level Route 79 viaduct and
replace it by combining Route 79 with Davol Street within the project area. A new fourlane roadway (two through lanes in each direction) will be constructed that will connect
with local roads at three new signalized at-grade intersections. The ramps connecting
Route 79 and I 195 will be rebuilt. Additional improvements include a new roadway being
constructed between Route 79 and Water Street allowing improved access to and from the
waterfront, the addition of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and the realignment of
existing Connector Street to allow for traffic flow and access to Milliken Boulevard from
I-195 eastbound via Pocasset Street. The Braga Bridge Phase II structural steel repairs and
painting of the underside of the bridge have recently been added to the project to provide
for improved traffic management and construction activity coordination.
A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or
temporary easements may be required. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is
responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or public lands. MassDOT’s policy
concerning land acquisitions will be discussed at this hearing.
Written views received by MassDOT subsequent to the date of this notice and up to five
(5) days prior to the date of the hearing shall be displayed for public inspection and
copying at the time and date listed above. Plans will be on display one-half hour before
the hearing begins, with an engineer in attendance to answer questions regarding this
project. A project handout will be made available on the MassDOT website at:
http://www.mass.gov/massdot/Route79project .
Written statements and other exhibits in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at
the Public Hearing regarding the proposed undertaking are to be submitted to Thomas F.
Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT – Highway Division, 10 Park Plaza, Boston,
MA 02116, ATTN: Mike O’Dowd, Project File No. 605223. Such submissions will also
be accepted at the hearing. Mailed statements and exhibits intended for inclusion in the
public hearing transcript must be postmarked within ten (10) business days of this Public
Hearing. Project inquiries may be emailed to dot.feedback.highway@state.ma.us .
This location is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable
accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (including but not
limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, open
or closed captioning for videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats,
such as audio tapes, Braille and large print), as available. For accommodation or language
assistance, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity and Civil Rights Officer by phone
(857-368-8580), fax (857-368-0602), TTD/TTY (857-368-0603) or by email
(MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us). Requests should be made as soon as possible
prior to the meeting, and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language,
CART or language translation or interpretation, requests should be made at least ten (10)
business days before the meeting.
In case of inclement weather, hearing cancellation announcements will be posted on the
internet at http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway .
FRANK DE PAOLA, P.E.
HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR
THOMAS F. BRODERICK, P.E.
CHIEF ENGINEER
Boston, Massachusetts
•
Deval l. Patrick, Governor Timothy P. Murray, Lt. Governor Richard A Davey, Secretary & CEO
Frank DePaola, Administrator
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:ighway Division
Dear Concerned Citizen:
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is colnmitted
to building and maintaining a transportation infrastructure that is both safe
and efficient for all who use our roadways, bridges, bicyde facilities and
pedestrian paths, while maintaining the integrity of the environment.
As part of the design process for this project, we are conducting this public
hearing to explain the proposed improvements, listen to your comments and
answer any questions you may have. At the conclusion of the hearing,
MassDOT will review all of your comments and, where feasible, incorporate
them into the design of the project.
We recognize that road and bridge construction can create inconveniences
for the public. MassDOT places a great deal of emphasis on minimizing the
temporary disruptive effects of construction.
MassDOT encourages input from local communities and values your
opinions. Please be assured that we will undertake no project without
addressing the concerns of the community.
Sincerely,
Frank DePaola
Administrator, Highway Division
Ten Park Plaza. Suite 4 160, Boston. M A 02 1 16
Tel: 617-973-7000, TDD: 617-973-7 306
Leading the.Nation in Transportation Excellence
www.mass.gov;massdot
WHAT IS A PUBLIC HEARING?
WHY A PUBLIC HEARING?
To provide an assured method whereby the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can
furnish to the public information concerning the State’s highway construction proposals,
and to afford every interested resident of the area an opportunity to be heard on any
proposed project. At the same time, the hearings afford the Commonwealth an
additional opportunity to receive information from local sources which would be of value
to the State in making its final decisions to what design should be advanced for
development.
WHY NOT A VOTE ON HIGHWAY PLANS?
The hearings are not intended to be a popular referendum for the purpose of
determining the nature of a proposed improvement by a majority of those present. They
do not relieve the duly constituted officials of a State highway department of the
necessity for making decisions in State highway matters for which they are charged with
full responsibility.
WHAT DOES A PUBLIC HEARING ACCOMPLISH?
It is designed to ensure the opportunity for, or the availability of, a forum to provide
factual information which is pertinent to the determination of the final alternative
considered by the state to best serve the public interest, and on which improvement
projects are proposed to be undertaken.
It is important that the people of the area express their views in regard to the proposal
being presented, so that views can be properly recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
These minutes will be carefully studied and taken into consideration in the determination
of the final design.
TO SAFEGUARD THE PROPERTY OWNER
If your property, or a portion of it, must be acquired by the State for highway purposes in
the interest of all people of the Commonwealth, your rights are fully protected under the
law. Briefly, here are some of the answers to questions you might ask.
1. WHO CONTACTS ME?
Representatives of the Right of Way Bureau of the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation’s Highway Division. They will explain the impacts and your rights as
protected under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 79.
2. WHAT IS A FAIR PRICE FOR MY PROPERTY?
Every offer is made to ensure that an equitable value is awarded to you for the
property, or to appraise the “damage” to the property as a result of the acquisition.
MassDOT appraisers, independent appraisers, MassDOT “Review Appraisers” and a
Real Estate Appraisal Review Board may all contribute in arriving at an award of
damages. The State also pays a proportionate part of the real estate tax for the current
year for fee takings, and interest from the date the property is acquired to the payment
date, on all impacts.
3. MUST I ACCEPT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFER?
No. If, after the figure established as market value has been offered to the owner, the
owner feels he or she is not being offered a fair price, he or she has the right, within
three years, to appeal to the courts. Pending a court decision, he or she can be paid
on a “pro-tanto” basis (or “for the time being”) that in no way prejudices the court
appeal.
4. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY HOUSE?
The owner will have the opportunity to buy back his or her house, provided he or she
has a location to which it can be moved, and the proper permits for its removal. If the
owner does not wish to repurchase, the house will be advertised for bids. The highest
bidder, who must also have a location and permits for removal, will be awarded the
house. Otherwise, the structure will be slated for demolition.
5. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MUST RELOCATE?
In addition to the market value of the property, the Department pays certain relocation
benefits for both owners and tenants of acquired residences and businesses who meet
eligibility requirements. Assistance in relocation is also provided. Department
brochures are available for details on these benefits.
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction and
Braga Bridge Phase II Structural Repairs and Painting
Route79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction and
Braga Bridge Phase II Structural Repairs and Painting
Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation Project File 605223
Project Location:
The proposed project is located at the Exit 5 Interchange (Route 79/138/I-195) in Fall
River and Somerset, Massachusetts (See Locus Figure 1.). The project limits are:
West: Braga Bridge approach, Somerset
East: I-195 on ramp at Pocasett Street
South: Columbia Street
North: Meet existing Rte 79 embankment at the existing turnaround under Route
79, approximately 2,400 feet north of Central Street
North of the project limits, Route 79 will remain as it is today, a grade-separated
roadway on an embankment between the northbound and southbound barrels of Davol
Street/Route 138.
Project Purpose:
The purpose of the project is to promote safety by addressing the structurally deficient
bridges that are part of the Route 79/I-195 Interchange and thereby reduce life-cycle
maintenance costs of the interchange structures. The project will address a number of
goals, including
• Address substandard roadway geometry
• Improve connections with I-195 and Route 79
• Meet Legislative funding requirements
• Improve project-area aesthetics
• Minimize impacts to historic and cultural resources
• Remain consistent with area planning
Summary of Existing Conditions:
Route 79 is currently carried on a two-level viaduct under I-195. Route 138/Davol Street
is located under the Route 79 viaduct. The viaduct and ramps are in need of extensive
repairs, with a number of bridges that are structurally deficient. To address deteriorating
conditions, a $10 million emergency repair contract was advertised and awarded in the
summer of 2010. Repairs are underway and will maintain the viaduct and ramps for safe
travel until the Interchange Reconstruction project is constructed.
The Braga Bridge has been undergoing cleaning, painting, and repairs for several years.
The bridge is in need of cleaning and painting of structural steel for the approach spans
and also portions of the main truss spans that were not cleaned and painted under the
previous contract.
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Proposed Improvements:
Changes to Route 79/Route 138 in the Project Area:
The proposed project will remove the Route 79 viaduct and combine Route 79 with
Route 138 within the project limits. All the existing bridges within the interchange will be
removed and will be replaced with either new bridges or at-grade roadways. The
Anawan Street Bridge over the railroad will be replaced with a new bridge.
Three new signalized intersections will be constructed along the new 4-lane Route
79/Route 138 roadway. Traffic signals for Route 79 at its intersections with the new
Water Street Connector, Anawan Street/Pocasset Street, and Central Street are
proposed. All traffic signals will have pedestrian crosswalks and pedestrian signal
indications. The interchange between I-195 and Route 79 will continue to be a gradeseparated interchange.
New and modified roadways and ramps in the Project Area:
A new roadway, the proposed Water Street Connector, will connect Water Street with
the Route 138 and will improve waterfront vehicular connectivity with I-195 and Route
79. Along the new Water Street Connector there will be a sidewalk on the south side,
with 5-foot bike lanes on both sides.
The existing off-ramp from I-195 eastbound to Milliken Boulevard will be reconstructed
as the “Milliken Connector” eastbound and westbound. The Milliken Connector
westbound will provide direct access from Milliken Boulevard to I-195 eastbound and
westbound. The Milliken Connector eastbound will provide direct access from Route 79
to Milliken Boulevard and will include a new 8-foot-wide shared use path (bicycle and
pedestrian) between Milliken Boulevard and Route 138.
Connector Street, an existing short, one-way local street from Milliken Boulevard to
Pocasset Street, will be widened and realigned to allow two-way traffic. This will involve
a slight realignment of the intersection openings of this local roadway to facilitate twoway traffic flow. Connector Street will provide access to Milliken Boulevard from I-195
EB via Pocasset Street.
A new off-ramp from I-195 WB to Central Street will replace the existing I-195 WB to
Route 79 SB off-ramp. This new ramp will provide access from I-195 WB to Route 79.
Anawan Street will become one-way eastbound. Harbor Terrace will become one-way
northbound. Canal Street, which currently intersects with Broadway under the viaduct,
will end at Spring Street and will no longer connect with Broadway.
Signals in the Project Area:
New signalized intersections in the Project Area will include:
• Route 138 and proposed Water Street Connector
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• Anawan Street/Pocasset Street at Route 138
• Central Street at Route 79/Route 138
• Milliken Boulevard at proposed Milliken Connector
Improvements to existing signals in the Project Area will include:
• Columbia Street at Broadway
• Milliken Boulevard/Central Street/Durfee Street
Braga Bridge Work:
Work will include cleaning and painting of the structural steel on the underside of the
bridge as well as portions of the underside of the bridge as well as portions of the main
truss that were not completed under the Phase I contract . Additional work includes
structural steel repairs, replacement of bridge deck joints, and miscellaneous concrete
repairs and strengthening to the piers.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements in the Project Area:
Three new signalized intersections on Route 79/Route 138 along with pedestrian
countdown signals, improved sidewalks, and curb ramps will improve conditions for
pedestrians despite the higher volume of traffic on the surface street once the viaduct is
removed. An 8-foot-wide shared-use path will be built along the Milliken Connector and
the on-ramp from Route 138 to I-195. The proposed Water Street Connector will include
one sidewalk and bike lanes on both sides. Route 138 will have bike accommodations
from Columbia Street to Central Street, and new and improved sidewalks will be built
throughout the Project Area.
Landscape and Streetscape
A mix of trees will be planted throughout the Project Area. Street trees and trees for
larger spaces within loop ramps and in areas designed as buffers between the roadway
and residences will be a mix of evergreen, deciduous, and flowering trees. Four
interpretive signs will be created and placed at key locations in the Project Area.
Right-of-Way Impacts
Most of the project will be within the limits of the existing roadway right-of-way. No
business or residential relocations are anticipated. Minor amounts of private property
right-of-way takings and/or easements will be required throughout the project limits for
corner rounding and to build certain structures such as retaining walls. Two full
commercial takings (small vacant or undeveloped parcels) will be taken.
Traffic Management
The project will use staged construction in order to maintain traffic through the
interchange. Alternative routes to the regional roadway system will be identified to
minimize traffic through the interchange. The construction sequence of various elements
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of the project, as well as some temporary ramp connections, will allow traffic to be
shifted so that the viaduct can be removed. A public information program will be
implemented to inform drivers and others of the construction phase traffic plans.
Project Costs:
The current estimated construction cost is $215 million.
Project Schedule:
Construction is estimated to take about 4 years and will start mid-2013.
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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - HIGHWAY DIVISION
ACCELERATED BRIDGE PROGRAM
Fall River, MA
FALL RIVER ROUTE 79/I-195 INTERCHANGE RECONSTRUCTION AND
BRAGA BRIDGE PHASE II STRUCTURAL REPAIRS AND PAINTING PROJECT
Project File No. 605223
This sheet is provided for your comments. Your input is solicited and appreciated.
Please return your sheet, with comments, to a staff member at the meeting, or mail to:
Thomas F. Broderick, P.E., Chief Engineer
MassDOT – Highway Division
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973
Attn: Michael O’Dowd, Project Manager
or fax to 857-368-0618
The final date for receipt of written statements and exhibits for inclusion into the official
hearing transcript will be Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY.
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Thomas F. Broderick, P.E.
Chief Engineer
MassDOT, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116-3973
RE:
25% Public Hearing
Rte. 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction & Braga Bridge Structural Repairs & Painting
Fall River
Project File No. 605223
Michael O’Dowd, Project Manager