MassDOT has given the green light to the Chelsea Viaduct project contract, awarding it to low bidder Skanska McCourt for $169.37 million, approximately 3 percent under the project estimates for this major reconstruction effort. “fblikebutton_button”
Preservation of the Arlington Street on-ramp stands out as a significant element of the work scope outlined in project documents, as this access point had previously been evaluated for potential elimination.
Following a July bidding process, a Notice to Proceed is anticipated for January, with substructure repair work commencing shortly thereafter and continuing through spring 2020.
Stretching from the County Road overpass to beyond the 4th Street off ramp, the Chelsea Viaduct is an elevated highway structure that has undergone more than a month of planning for this initiative.
The project encompasses repairs and retrofitting of the viaduct’s understructure. Rusted steel beams will be retrofitted with new concrete elements that will feature decorative murals.
This phase is scheduled to commence in early 2019 and extend through spring 2020, spanning more than a year of work.
Following that will come superstructure replacement—the roadway decking where vehicles travel. Most of this work will utilize prefabricated bridge sections that will be hoisted into position and fastened. Only two limited sections will need conventional repair methods: the area over the railroad tracks and near the 4th Street off ramp.
Route 1 will experience no traffic disruptions during peak hours, as substructure rehabilitation work will occur exclusively between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
When superstructure replacement begins in fall 2020, traffic will be affected through lane reductions—three southbound lanes becoming two, and two northbound lanes remaining. Temporary ramp closures and parking impacts are also anticipated during this phase.
Community benefits include a new parking facility constructed beneath the Viaduct to address downtown parking needs, enhanced lighting throughout the area, and a protective snow fence installed around sections of the structure.
The project is projected to wrap up in 2021.
According to MassDOT officials, a Chelsea Task Force is being assembled to examine public transportation, vehicle movement, and alternative travel methods during construction, with the goal of maintaining dependable transportation access for residents. Additional information regarding this Task Force will be available in coming months.
Cutlines –
1
A before and after view of the substructure repairs to the Chelsea Viaduct, going from rusted steel to a mural.
2 – (Timeline, no cut)