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Rte 79/I-195 Interchange Improvements Project

Location

The Route 79 viaducts and ramps in Fall River were built in 1965 as part of the I-195 interchange with Route 79 near Battleship Cove. The mainline Route 79 elevated roadways and nine ramp structures consist of 111 spans including 21 two-level spans. These total over 8,700 feet in length. Time has taken a toll on the viaduct and ramps and, currently, 11 bridges within the interchange are structurally deficient and need rehabilitation.

Rte 79/I-195 Map

Project Overview

The study area reaches from Route 138/Columbia Street north to Davol Street/Pearce Street and from Water Street to Milliken Boulevard (see locus map). This is being proposed and funded as part of the 2008 Patrick-Murray Administration's Accelerated Bridge Program Accelerated Bridge Program and was initially considered a rehabilitation project. MassDOT commissioned a Value Engineering (VE) Study in April 2009 to examine ways to improve the "value" of the project. The VE study suggested removing the viaduct and replacing it with an “at-grade” roadway that would be combined with existing surface streets. In January 2010 MassDOT convened a Task Force of local and regional stakeholders to examine alternatives to address the interchange deficiencies, including removing the viaduct.

The proposed preferred alternative consists of removing the two-level Route 79 viaduct and constructing an at grade Route 79 that would utilize portions of existing streets (Broadway Extension, Davol/Viaduct Street, and Davol Street). The at-grade roadway between Anawan/Pocasset Street and Central Street will be at the level of existing Davol/Viaduct Street and will be on a structure spanning the railroad tracks and the Quequechan River. The roadway will be four through lanes (two northbound and two southbound) for most of its length within the project area; exceptions are for turn lanes or auxiliary lanes.

New ramps will maintain the connections with I-195, Broadway Extension, Central Street, and Milliken Boulevard. Water Street Connector will be a new two-way roadway improving access between the waterfront and Route 79. Sidewalk and bicycle accommodations will be improved along the at-grade roadway.

Status of the Route 79/I-195 Interchange Improvements Alternatives Study

  • In January 2010, MassDOT began a study of alternatives for the interchange, working with a Task Force of local and regional stakeholders. The Task Force assisted with establishing goals for the project; developing and screening alternatives; and helping refine alternatives.
  • In spring 2010, MassDOT issued a $10 million contract for emergency repairs. The contract will remain active until construction of the interchange project begins in 2013.
  • In January 2011, MassDOT identified its preferred alternative—an at-grade solution that would remove the elevated Rte. 79 roadways and replace them with a surface street one level above the existing railroad. The Task Force supports this alternative.
  • The project team is currently refining MassDOT’s preferred alternative and looking at design options at a number of locations.
  • Federal and state environmental review will begin in late 2011 when the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Notification Form is filed for agency and public comment.
  • Preliminary design is underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2012.

Environmental Review

MassDOT is committed to the performance of a full environmental review process for this project in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. This will include preparation of the required documentation in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). As part of this review process, a comprehensive public participation program is being implemented. This outreach program will keep the public updated on the project’s status, seek public input, support the regulatory process, and offer coordinated meetings for elected and municipal officials. MassDOT anticipates submitting an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) to the State Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and an Environmental Assessment (EA) to Federal Highway by the end of the year.

Project Documents

Getting Involved

If you have any questions, need further information, or want to be added to future informational mailing lists,
please contact Stephanie Boundy, Accelerated Bridge Project Public Outreach Coordinator
Tel: (617)973-8049
Email: stephanie.boundy@state.ma.us

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