GREENFIELD — The state Department of Transportation’s proposed work to preserve four bridges carrying Interstate 91 over the Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) rotary garnered no questions or comments from the public during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.
Anni Autio, project manager with MassDOT, said the work aims to address deficiencies on the four bridge decks to extend the structures’ lifespans, as well as upgrade the approach and bridge barriers to modern construction standards. She said two of the bridges were constructed in 1965, while the other two were built in 1966. Both exhibit steel beam deterioration.
Autio mentioned that this project has been in the planning and early design stage for several years. The bridges will be reconstructed over three primary stages, each lasting approximately six months. With seasonal restrictions, however, the total project duration could last up to three years, from 2029 to 2032. No construction will be scheduled from Nov. 1 through March 15.
Autio and Paul Berthiaume, project manager with the planning and engineering firm Howard Stein Hudson, said the goal is to avoid major disruptions for travelers as much as possible.
“At no point will Route 2 be closed in its entirety,” Berthiaume noted.
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during all stages of the project. Access to entrance and exit ramps will also be maintained throughout construction.
Autio said each of the existing bridges consists of a single-span steel plate girder superstructure comprised of six beams to bear all necessary weight. The pavement on the bridges reportedly displays noticeable cracking and deterioration, and has multiple areas that have previously been patched. Autio explained that all the bridges have timber shielding installed to protect the roadways below.
A final engineering package is due for submission to MassDOT in March, and the construction contract is expected to be advertised the following month. Bids are scheduled to open in April.
Comments can be submitted by email to MassDOTProjectManagement@dot.state.ma.us, Attention: Design Public Hearing Comments: Project File No. 612508. Written comments can be submitted to: Carrie Lavallee, P.E., MassDOT Chief Engineer, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116; Attention: Project Management, Project File No. 612508.
