PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011
AT
HERITAGE STATE PARK VISITORS CENTER
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS
6:30 PM
FOR THE PROPOSED
Fall River Route 79 Western Viaduct/Interstate 195 Interchange
Improvements Project
Project No. 605223
Accelerated Bridge Program
FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
FRANCIS A. DEPAOLA, P.E.
ACTING HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR
THOMAS F. BRODERICK, P.E.
ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-HIGHWAY DIVISION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
Project File Number 605223
Fall River Route 79 Western Viaduct/Interstate 195 Interchange Improvements
A Public Information Meeting will be held by MassDOT-Highway Division to discuss the proposed Fall
River Western Viaduct @ Rte79/I-195 Interchange Improvement Project in Fall River, MA.
WHERE:
Fall River Heritage State Park Visitor’s Center
200 Davol Street, Fall River
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully
acquainted with the proposed improvement alternatives under consideration for Bridge No. F-02-059, Rte
79/I-195. Following the presentation, MassDOT staff will lead a discussion to answer questions and gather
public comment on the alternatives. All views and comments received at the meeting will be carefully
reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.
PROPOSAL: The project involves the interchange improvements of the Western Expressway Viaduct
Bridge and connecting ramp structures at the interchange of Rte 79 and I-195. A Task Force convened in
January 2010 to identify various alternatives that would address the structural deficiencies of the Rte 79
Western Expressway Viaduct including I-195 connecting ramps.
Alternatives under consideration will require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) in
accordance with the NEPA process and an Environmental Notification Form that complies with the
Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and its associated regulations (301 CMR 11.00).
The project may also include the preparation of a Section 4(f) Evaluation in accordance with 4(f)
evaluation criteria. Wetland resource areas will be delineated in accordance with the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 § 40). Information, documentation and support will be prepared and
provided to MassDOT to assist the Highway Division in a Section 106 review process for the project
alternatives.
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
meeting.
Written views received by MassDOT subsequent to the date of this notice and up to five (5) days prior to
the date of the meeting 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 meeting begins, with an engineer in attendance to
answer questions regarding this project. A project handout will be made available on the MassDOT
website listed below.
The community has declared that this facility is accessible to all in compliance with the ADA / Title II.
However, persons in need of ADA / Title II accommodations should contact Angela Rudikoff by phone at
(617) 973-7005 or email to angela.rudikoff@state.ma.us. Requests must be made at least 10 days prior to
the date of the public meeting.
In case of inclement weather, meeting cancellation announcements will be posted on the internet at
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/
FRANCIS A. DEPAOLA, P.E.
ACTING HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR
THOMAS F. BRODERICK, P.E.
ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER
BOSTON, MA
WHAT IS A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING?
WHY A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING?
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 public information meetings 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 INFORMATION MEETIGN 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.
Project Locus Map
Map Location Key
A
From
To
I-195 Eastbound
Route 79 Northbound
C Broadway Extended NB and Route 79 SB
D
Route 79 Southbound
E Broadway Extended NB and Route 79 SB
F
I-195 Westbound
I-195 Eastbound or Westbound
I-195 Eastbound
I-195 Westbound
Route 79 Southbound
G
I-195 Westbound
Route 79 Northbound
L
Bedford/Central Street
I-195 Westbound
R
Route 79 Northbound
Davol Street
Y
I-195 Eastbound
Milliken Street
Project Location
The Route 79 viaducts and ramps in Fall River were built in 1965 as part of the I-195
interchange with Route 79 near Battleship Cove. The mainline Route 79 elevated
roadways and nine ramp structures consist of 111 spans including 21 two-level spans.
These total over 8,700 feet in length.
Purpose
The project involves the interchange improvements of the Western Expressway Viaduct
Bridge and connecting ramp structures at the interchange of Rte 79 and I-195. A Task
Force convened in January 2010 to identify various alternatives that would address the
structural deficiencies of the Rte 79 Western Expressway Viaduct including I-195
connecting ramps.
Existing Conditions
Time has taken a toll on the viaduct and ramps and, currently, 11 bridges within the
interchange are structurally deficient and need rehabilitation. MassDOT awarded $5.6
million contract for emergency repairs in late 2010. Work under that contract is
underway. Although deemed structurally deficient, the roadway remains safe for
vehicular travel, and these ongoing repairs maintain the road in a safe condition.
Scope of Work
MassDOT has selected a consultant team led by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to
provide bridge type studies, sketch plans, and the twenty-five percent design-build
procurement package for the Fall River Route 79/I-195 Interchange Improvement
Project.
The project consists of removing the two-level Route 79 viaduct and constructing an
at-grade Route 79 that would utilize portions of existing streets (Broadway Extension,
Davol/Viaduct Street, and Davol Street). The at-grade roadway between
Anawan/Pocasset Street and Central Street will be at the level of existing Davol/Viaduct
Street and will be on a structure spanning the railroad tracks and the Quequechan River.
The roadway will be four through lanes (two northbound and two southbound) for most
of its length within the project area; exceptions are for turn lanes or auxiliary lanes.
New ramps will maintain the connections with I-195, Broadway Extension, Central
Street, and Milliken Boulevard. Water Street Connector will be a new two-way roadway
improving access between the waterfront and Route 79. Sidewalk and bicycle
accommodations will be improved along the at-grade roadway.
Environmental Review
MassDOT is committed to the performance of a full environmental review process for
this project in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. This will
include preparation of the required documentation in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act
(MEPA). As part of this review process, a comprehensive public participation program
is being implemented. This outreach program will keep the public updated on the
project’s status, seek public input, support the regulatory process, and offer coordinated
meetings for elected and municipal officials.
Schedule
The design and construction of this project will be managed and overseen by MassDOT.
This project is currently in development/preliminary design. MassDOT anticipates
advertising in the late Spring of 2012. The emergency repairs contract will be completed
by December 31, 2011.
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION
FEDERAL AID PROJECT
Fall River Route 79 Western Viaduct/Interstate 195 Interchange
Improvements Project
Project File No. 605223
FALL RIVER, MA.
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., Acting Chief Engineer
MassDOT, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973
Attn: Accelerated Bridge Program
The final date for receipt of written statements and exhibits for inclusion into the official
meeting transcript will be ten (10) days after the Public Meeting. Please type or print
legibly.
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Thomas F. Broderick, P.E.
Acting Chief Engineer
MassDOT, Highway Division
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116-3973
RE:
Public Information Meeting
Rte79/I-195 Interchange Improvement Project
Fall River, MA
Project File No. 605223
Accelerated Bridge Program