PROJECT UPDATE

Project File No. 607731

December 3, 2014

Introduction
The Rehabilitation Project will replace the deck of the I-91 Viaduct, which
is in poor condition, to reduce repair cost, increase safety and accessibility
It is running concurrent with a study of long-term Alternatives for the
Viaduct
The Alternatives Study will have a robust outreach program; investigate
alternatives; and look to permitting, funding and construction options
all long-term activities (possibly more than a 10 year process)

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 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 structures service life.

Project Limits

The term Viaduct is defined as a long, high bridge that

carries a road over other roads or features

Project Scope
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

Project Schedule
September 27, 2014

Project Advertised

December 2014

Plans available to the Bidders

February 15, 2015

Bid Opening

March 2015

Contract Award

April 2015

Notice to Proceed

May 2015

Preconstruction Meeting

Bridge Data
Bridge was built in the late 1960s
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

Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques using prefabricated elements is

proposed to reduce overall construction time.

Incentives/Disincentives also being employed to accelerate the construction

and open I-91, minimizing delays, construction and disruption to Springfield.

Suggested construction sequence allows for two major stages.

The use of ABC and Incentives/Disincentives may reduce the overall

construction duration by from 6+ years to 3+ years

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

Employee/commuter survey completed

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 Columbus and HOF

Primary detours to utilize East Columbus and HOF 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/Mitigation

Comprehensive analysis to identify impacts to local streets/intersections completed

Anticipate increased congestion primarily on East Columbus and HOF Avenues

Critical Intersections:

East Columbus Avenue at Boland Way

HOF at Boland Way and Memorial Bridge

East Columbus Avenue at Hampden Street

East Columbus Avenue at Liberty Street (unsignalized)

HOF Ave at West Union and Union Street

HOF Avenue at State Street

Traffic Traffic Impacts/Mitigation

Traffic Traffic Impacts/Mitigation

Enhanced Connection
and Roadway
Reconstruction

Modified Lane Use

and Signal Phasing

Traffic Traffic Impacts/Mitigation

Traffic Traffic Impacts/Mitigation

Additional Mitigation

Police Details at critical intersections during peak periods

Comprehensive monitoring program of key corridors/intersections

Monitoring Cameras

Real Time Traffic Management System (RTTM)

Incident Response Operations (IRO)

Construction Impacts
Two parking structures exist within the
project limits - Temporary closures of
certain areas will be required
(minimum number of spaces required
to remain open on top levels at all
times)
Coordination with other projects in the
project area, including West Springfield
Rotary and Casino projects

Public Outreach Coordination

Contractor will be working closely with,

MassDOT to communicate project information and engage the public

The Cities of Springfield, West Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam,

Longmeadow, and East Longmeadow

Abutting businesses

And all other stakeholders during construction.

Contractor will be required to:

Retain a firm that specializes in public outreach to facilitate
required communication and coordination efforts
Hire a public outreach coordinator with 5 years of similar
MassDOT work experience
Develop a Public Participation Plan and Public Participation
Outreach Plan

These plans will focus on:

Updating the public and all stakeholders on the status of the project
accordingly. Updates include but are not limited to:

Anticipated work efforts including work hours

Potential community impacts

And applicable mitigation.

Coordinating activities, meetings, written and graphic materials that will be

prepared throughout the project
And laying out a general proposed schedule for these activities.

MassDOT will use all available resources to communicate Project

information including, but not limited to:
Broadcast and print media

Factsheets

Variable message signs

Fliers

Dedicated Project website

E-mail

Social media

Presentations

Highway Advisory Radio (HAR)

Briefings

Existing MassDOT and other

Commonwealth websites

Meetings

Newsletters

Signs

The Contractor shall make the following documents available on

the MassDOT website:
Information for a weekly update, including a 90-day schedule, detailed updates for the upcoming two
weeks, including anticipated problems and any changes in information to be provided to the public.
Photographs and video footage of Project activities after completion of milestones
Presentation slides, presentation boards, and graphics
Daily traffic updates and alerts
Detour maps of each detour route for use on the website and distribution to media, stakeholder groups,
etc.
Written content and graphics for Project newsletters and the website.