Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A. Piatt Andrew Bridge Update
Even as the current heat wave takes its toll, the reconstruction of the Rt.128 bridge over the Annisquam River is continuing at a steady pace and is now approximately 85% complete.
I am pleased to provide you with an update detailing current activities and progress on the project. Particularly noteworthy in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's report is the information of temporary lane closures during off-peak hours to expedite the sand blasting beneath the bridge.
Below are two recent photos taken of the progress of the bridge. To review the MassDOT's most recent report please click “Read more”.
Horizontal view of a section of painted structural steel being reviewed as part of a coating inspection.
Vertical view of a section of painted structural steel being reviewed as part of a coating inspection.
Release Date – July 8, 2011
Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 85% 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 also includes 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 majority of the work on the top side of the bridge has been completed. The primary elements of work that remain involve cleaning and painting of structural steel elements along with associated structural steel repairs. All travel lanes are open to traffic in both directions of Route 128; however, there are temporary lane closures put into place during off peak hours to support the sandblasting operations taking place below the bridge deck.
The east end of the main span has been cleaned and primed. The additional areas of deterioration to the structural steel have been fully exposed. MassDOT continues to work with the design consultant (Gill Engineering) to determine the appropriate course of action to implement repairs. Based on the additional scope of steel repairs and the delays that occurred as a result of the issues surrounding the prior painting subcontractor, the project’s completion date is expected to be extended until sometime in spring/summer 2012.
Note: Additional project information and history can be found by visiting MassDOT’s website at: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us and clicking on the Projects tab, then selecting “Current Road and Bridge Projects” and after entering the City of Gloucester, select Project No. 604797.
