03/23/2012

Chelsea Street Bridge Final Work

Construction crews are in the final phase of work in the Chelsea Street bridge replacement project. The bridge was closed to traffic in June 2011 to allow crews to demolish the existing bridge and install the remaining portions of the new bridge.

The $125.3 million project will improve the efficiency and operation of the bridge for vehicle traffic while significantly enhancing safe navigation of the Chelsea River channel by maritime vessels.

Recent work includes removing the existing piers and protective fender system and installing the new bridge joints and safety barrier. MassDOT expanded the work to construct new bulkheads on the sides of the channel to prepare the area for the Army Corp of Engineers to widen the channel.

The work taking place requires coordination with the use of the channel by the vessels that supply a significant portion of heating oil, gasoline and jet fuel throughout New England.

The current work must be completed while the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic. To minimize impacts, MassDOT and project stakeholders extended the closure of the bridge so that the work could occur on a continuous basis. Crews are working double shifts, seven days a week. The new bridge is expected to be ready to reopen to vehicular traffic in late April.

RDM Transit Needs Public Meeting

MassDOT is continuing final public meetings on the Roxbury/Dorchester/Mattapan Transit Needs Study:

Thursday, March 29, 6-8pm, Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren Street

Thursday, April 12, 6-8pm, Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Avenue

The study area stretches from Mattapan Square to the edge of the South End, and from Egleston Square to Uphams Corner and Codman Square. It is one of the largest areas within 10 miles of downtown Boston not served by rapid transit. The MassDOT study will identify opportunities to improve public transportation service that have broad community support

MassDOT has conducted an extensive civic engagement process, including more than 1,300 surveys, information tables at key transit hubs, online tools, six public meetings and ten advisory group meetings. Proposed recommendations including short-term and long-term projects have emerged from this outreach effort and are now prepared for public comment.

For more information, please visit the Roxbury/Dorchester/Mattapan Transit Needs Study website.

MassDOT Graduate Student Fellowships

In October 2011 MassDOT's Accelerated Bridge Program received AASHTO’s Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation. The award winner each year is a state transportation department that has implemented an outstanding innovative program.

AASHTO cited as an example of innovation MassDOT’s groundbreaking “93Fast14” project that replaced 14 bridges on Interstate 93 in Medford during 10 weekends in June, July, and August.

MassDOT received a $10,000 graduate fellowship for a state university student or students pursuing a transportation-related degree. MassDOT has decided to award graduate fellowships of $1,000 to ten successful applicants. Fellowship candidates must be currently enrolled in graduate studies or have a letter of acceptance to a graduate program at a state university. Application and requirements are be posted on the MassDOT website.

The application deadline is April 30, 2012

MassDOT Board April Public Meeting

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors will hold its next regular public business meeting on Wednesday, April 4 , 1:00pm, MBTA Board Room, Suite 3910, State Transportation Building, Boston.    

 The MBTA Board will meet first at 1pm, followed by the MassDOT Board.  All meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule is available on the MassDOT website.

Board Meeting Schedule