11/30/2012

New Honors: I-93 Fast14 Named Best Project

MassDOT's acclaimed I-93 Fast 14 Bridge Replacement Project has received a new honor- ENR New York's Best Project of 2012 for the northeast region. ENR, Engineering News Record, covers New York, New Jersey and New England. Fast 14 was chosen from among 104 entries.

The historic project funded by the Patrick-Murray Administration's Accelerated Bridge Program replaced fourteen bridges in Medford in just ten weekends between June and August, 2011. All work including barrier installation, final paving, and lane striping, took place during off-peak and overnight hours. MassDOT contractors used cutting-edge Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques and materials to replace the bridges. Using conventional methods, it would have taken at least four years to replace all 14 bridges, with years of long-term lane closures.

To be eligible for the ENR Best Project award, the project met criteria including obstacles faced during design or construction, how challenges were managed, innovation and creativity, and safety measures that exceeded basic industry requirements. Fast 14 received a Safety Merit Award in addition to being named Best Project.

One of the ENR New York project judges called 93 Fast14's accelerated work schedule "trendsetting." Another noted the "incredible coordination" among all team players, including MassDOT, J.F. White Contracting Co., and Kiewit Infrastructure Group.

Transportation Future Meetings

MassDOT next week continues a series of statewide public meetings, engaging with residents, community leaders and business owners to discuss the future of transportation in the Commonwealth. Next week’s meetings are listed below:

Monday, December 3, 2012 6-8 PM
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Woodlawn Commons Building-Conference Room 3
285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth

Representatives from each division of MassDOT – RMV, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA/Rail and Transit – will be available to answer questions and provide information.

Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments can do so at yourvisionourfuture@dot.state.ma.us
For a complete list of upcoming meetings, visit: http://www.mass.gov/massdot/yourvisionourfuture

Springfield Union Station Construction Kick-off

Governor Deval Patrick has announced the final $4 million in state funds needed to begin reconstruction of Springfield’s Union Station and reestablish the historic facility as the primary transportation hub for the region.

"Expanding passenger rail is directly connected to economic recovery, and the revitalization of Union Station is a powerful step in revitalizing downtown Springfield," said Governor Patrick. "I am thrilled today to be able to announce an additional $4 million through our transportation bond bill to see this restoration project through completion, and I thank our local and federal partners for their dedication to this important project."

“The $4 million in state funding announced today combined with additional federal funding helps to jumpstart the redevelopment of Union Station in Springfield,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Transportation is the enabling network of our economy, and we will continue to support the development of this transportation hub to boost job creation and economic growth in Springfield and across the region.”

A revitalized Union Station is a key component in Knowledge Corridor passenger rail improvements including the realignment of the north-south Vermonter service, along with future passenger service from Montreal, and proposed service from Boston to Springfield.

The $4 million award with funds from the 2012 Transportation Bond Bill completes the $48.7 million necessary to begin the first phase of the $78 million project. Phase I construction will restore the Terminal Building and its central concourse, demolish the former Baggage Building, and construct a 24-bay bus terminal covered by a 146-space parking garage. In addition, the passenger tunnel will be restored and reopened providing stair and elevator access to the train boarding platforms and convenient access for pedestrians to the downtown.

The terminal concourse will include Amtrak, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), and Peter Pan bus ticketing and waiting areas along with transit-related retail space. Completion is expected in 2015.