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.
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.
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.
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