Wednesday, October 28, 2009

A. Piatt Andrew Bridge Update

We are pleased to provide you with the most recent update on the reconstruction project for the Route 128 A. Piatt Andrew Bridge over the Annisquam River.

Fall foliage and cooling temperatures signal the transition to a fall construction schedule, which will involve lane closures and changes in traffic patterns. Those project elements are discussed in the update, which is attached for your review.

Project progress is also quite visible, with some new elements now in place. These are also outlined in the update from MassHighway.

To read MassHighway's progress update please click "Read more" at the bottom of this post. Thank you for your continuing interest in this project, and please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante

Photo showing the installation of the cement concrete overlay in the right travel lane on Route 128 Southbound.



Photo showing installation of the suicide deterrent/safety fencing on the easterly side of the bridge. The design of the fencing was coordinated with the local historical commission.



Release Date – October 21, 2009

Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 65% complete
Cost $25,500,000

Description The work involves the removal and replacement of the wearing surface of the bridge deck along with rehabilitation of the superstructure and portions of the substructure on Bridge No. G-05-017 carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River in Gloucester. The project will also include replacement of the sidewalks along with significant structural repairs and painting portions of the superstructure. A new wearing surface will be placed on the bridge along with a new median barrier. The existing bridge railing will be refurbished and a suicide deterrent safety screen will be erected along the sidewalk. SPS New England, Inc. is completing the work.

Current Project Status – The project is currently working under Stage II of the traffic management plan which has temporary concrete barrier installed along the right hand side of the northbound and southbound high speed lanes reducing traffic to one lane (inside lane) in each direction. This traffic setup will be in place during the fall months and will allow the Contractor to finish the new sidewalks, bridge rails and fence as well as place the new concrete deck in the slow lanes. The Contractor has completed most of the masonry repairs/rehabilitation below the bridge. Structural steel repairs continue. The placement of the concrete overlay in the right travel lane in each direction is underway. The Contractor is continuing with the cleaning the structural steel below the deck in preparation for new paint. The Contractor continues to work Saturdays and Sundays, as needed, as well as extended hours during the week to remain within the approved schedule of operations.

Note: Additional project information and history can be found by visiting MassHighway’s website at: http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/ and clicking on the Project Info tab and selecting Projects under Design and Construction for the City of Gloucester, Project No. 604797.