Route 128 Bridge Reconstruction Project Update

Because additional issues that need to be addressed were discovered in Phase 1 of repairs to the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has developed and is implementing a Phase 2 project to address those issues.  Phase 2 of the construction bid documents have been completed, and currently MassDOT is in the process of awarding the contract to Cianbro Corp., a construction engineering company headquartered in Maine and that has a regional office in Georgetown, MA.

The bridge project will focus on removing and installing new structural steel bracing between the arches; repairing the arch ribs; cleaning and painting portions of the structural steel in the superstructure; replacing finger joints; sealing deck deflection joints; milling and grooving the existing deck surface; conserving the existing historic bronze doors; and installing temporary shielding for construction.

For further details regarding the reconstruction of the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, please click here.  Once the webpage has loaded, utilize the drop down menu and select Gloucester, then click on project #607338.  Keep checking back to continuing to receive bridge updates as they become available.

A. Piatt Andrew Bridge

With the passage of Memorial Day Weekend, the summer season has unofficially begun and while important work will continue, permanent lane restrictions have been eliminated and any temporary lane restrictions will be limited to off-peak hours.

Please click “Read more” to view the latest update from MassDOT. Below are three photos of the bridge’s progress.




Photo showing structural steel repairs to a column. 




Photo showing ongoing structural steel repairs to a truss section.




Photo showing ongoing structural steel repairs to a truss section.


Gloucester – Route 128 over the Annisquam River - Project Briefing
June, 2012

Project Description – Gloucester – Route 128 over the Annisquam River bridge rehabilitation - $25.5 million: The project involves the removal and replacement of the wearing surface on the bridge deck along with rehabilitation of the superstructure and portions of the substructure on the bridge carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River. The project also includes replacement of the sidewalks along with significant structural repairs and repainting of 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. The project is being constructed by SPS New England, Inc. from Salisbury, MA and the work is being overseen by the MassDOT – Highway Division’s District 4 Office.

Current Project Status - The majority of the work on the top side of the bridge has been completed. In addition to several corrective actions items, the primary elements of work that remain involve cleaning and painting of structural steel elements along with associated structural steel repairs for the main arch. The permanent lane restrictions implemented in each direction of Route 128 in late March to allow necessary structural steel repairs to be completed were removed on May 18th.

The east and west ends of the main span have been cleaned and primed. The contractor is currently completing cleaning and painting operations on portions of the mid span and the east and west approaches.

MassDOT is awaiting the submission of a corrective action plan from the contractor on the necessary alterations to portions of the previously installed bridge expansion joints. A definitive schedule for the corrective action items the contractor must perform has not been approved by MassDOT though it is expected that this work will continue to take place during the remainder of the 2012 construction season. Similar to the ongoing work, these activities are expected to be undertaken using temporary lane restrictions during off peak hours. MassDOT is currently reviewing the extent of the remaining structural steel repairs identified during the detailed field inspection and the associated costs with the FHWA and the design consultant in order to determine the most practical and cost effective method to implement the work. Until a determination is made, the installation of the painted coatings for the upper deck is on hold.

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.

Progress on Local Bridges

Cold temperatures and snow flurries haven’t stopped progress on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge in Gloucester and the Bates Bridge over the Merrimack River between Groveland and Haverhill. The most recent progress reports from MassDOT, together with illustrative photos, are posted below.


Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 83% 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 – All travel lanes are open to traffic, with the exception of temporary lane closures during non peak hours on weekdays to facilitate ongoing work below the bridge deck. Replacement of structural steel items is ongoing at the arch level in the main span. The contractor has completed paving the east and west approaches.

The painting operations remain suspended and will resume once a new subcontractor is in place. The general contractor is cleaning sand blasting dust and grit from the work areas with a vacuum truck and repairing the containment tarps in anticipation of the resumption of painting in the near future.

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.


Installation of new end panel member at a lower level truss on the north end of the structure.


Existing conditions of containment tarps. The contractor is replacing the tarps as the work deck is cleared of blasting grit.

Municipality Groveland/Haverhill
Project Bridge Reconstruction: Bates Bridge over the Merrimack River
Status 3% complete
Cost $49,750,000

Description The project consists of the replacement of the existing Bates Bridge carrying Routes 97/113 over the Merrimack River with a new bridge located approximately 60 feet downstream. The existing bridge will remain in service during construction. The proposed bridge will have a movable span similar to the existing bridge. In addition to the 775 feet long bridge, the project includes reconstruction of the approach roadways in Haverhill and Groveland and traffic signal and geometric improvements at the intersection of Groveland Street with Lincoln Avenue in Haverhill and at the intersection of Groveland Street with Main Street near Elm Park in Groveland. Cianbro Corporation from Pittsfield, ME is constructing the project.

The primary elements of the roadway work include excavation, grading, installation of bituminous pavements, curbing, sidewalks, highway guardrail, pavement markings, relocation and/or adjustment of existing utilities, and installation of traffic signal systems.

The primary elements of the bridge work include the construction of a new movable span bridge which includes the installation of drilled shaft foundations, reinforced concrete piers, a structural steel superstructure, a concrete filled grid deck, a moveable bascule lift section, concrete abutments on pile foundations and retaining walls. Temporary cofferdams will be used during the construction of the work, which will include removal of the existing bridge.

Current Project Status – The contractor removed National Grid’s abandoned submarine cable which ran parallel on the downstream side of the existing bridge. Two working barges have been assembled and moved into place for heavy construction activities. Working from these barges, crews have begun installing the cofferdams for piers 3 and 4. The contractor has also installed the cofferdam for construction of the north abutment on the Haverhill side of the river. The majority of the overhead and underground utility relocations on the Haverhill side have been completed along Groveland Street, Old Ferry Road and Orchard Avenue. Overhead and underground utility relocation work continues on the Groveland side along Main Street.

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 Town of Groveland or the City of Gloucester, select Project No. 600988.


Working barge installing steel sheeting to create a cofferdam for construction of one of the new bridge piers.


Working barges and cranes being used to support cofferdam construction for the new bridge piers.

Progress on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge

Summer traffic and high temperatures haven’t stopped progress on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge over the Annisquam River. Even though the four lanes of the bridge are often completely open to vehicles, continuing work has brought the project to 82% of completion.

Please click "Read more" to view the latest update from the Highway Division of MassDOT (formerly known as MassHighway). Below is a photo of the bridge structure.



Ongoing substructure repairs at the base of existing piers. The tubing and hose extending from above is being used to pump cement concrete down to the work area from the roadway above.



Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 82% 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 – All travel lanes are open to traffic, with the exception of temporary lane closures during non peak hours on weekdays to facilitate ongoing work below the bridge deck. The Contractor is continuing to work on masonry repairs/rehabilitation and structural steel repairs below the bridge. The Contractor is also sand blasting and painting the structural steel on the underside of the bridge. The project continues to work extended hours and on weekends, as needed, to maintain the current schedule of operations.



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.

A. Piatt Andrew Bridge Construction Update

Even though the hot days of summer are here and traffic is flowing across all lanes on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge carrying Route 128 over the Annisquam River, work on the reconstruction of the bridge is continuing at a steady pace.

I am pleased to provide you with an update detailing current activities and progress on the project, and some photos of the project. Particularly noteworthy in the MassDOT's report is the information relative to the construction schedule continuing to include Saturdays and Sundays.

Please click “Read more” to review the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s most recent update.

Newly completed bridge deck and median barrier shortly before all travel lanes were reopened.


Ongoing substructure repairs at the base of existing piers.



Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 82% 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 included replacement of the sidewalks along with significant structural repairs and painting portions of the superstructure. A new wearing surface has been placed on the bridge along with a new median barrier. The existing bridge railing was refurbished and a suicide deterrent safety screen erected along the sidewalk. SPS New England, Inc. is completing the work.

Current Project Status – All travel lanes were reopened to traffic during the last week in May, prior to the Memorial Day weekend. Prior to reopening all of the lanes, the new concrete deck overlay was sealed and diamond ground to a smooth riding profile with transverse grooves added to ensure a safe ride. New thermoplastic pavement markings were also installed. There will be continuing temporary lane closures on weekdays to facilitate ongoing work on the underside of the structure. The Contractor is currently working on masonry repairs/rehabilitation and structural steel repairs below the bridge. The Contractor is also cleaning and painting the structural steel. The Contractor will continue 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 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.

Progress on the Bridge

Today Rep. Ferrante and I are pleased to inform you that tremendous progress is being made in the revitalization and reconstruction of the A. Piatt Andrew Route 128 Bridge. Favorable conditions and extended work schedules have enabled MassHighway and the contractor to reach 75% completion benchmark. The details are provided in the attached report, which also includes a very illustrative photo.

We look forward to continuing to update you as the project continues, and wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year!






Release Date – January 5, 2009



Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 75% 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 III of the traffic management plan which has temporary concrete barrier installed along the skip lines for both the northbound and southbound lanes reducing traffic to one lane (outside lane) in each direction. This traffic setup will be in place during the fall and winter months and will allow the Contractor to demolish and replace the bridge deck and guard rail at the center median. Concrete deck repairs and a new concrete overlay will also be done to the inside (high speed) 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 has been completed. The Contractor continues to sand blast and paint the structural steel on the underside of the bridge. 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 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.

Progress on the Bridge

The project to reconstruct and rehabilitate the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, which carries Route 128 over the Annisquam River, is making tremendous progress. Please click "Read more" to view the most recent update from the Massachusetts Highway Department.


Photo showing demolition and preparation for the new concrete bridge deck at the median.


Release Date – December 1, 2009

Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 73% 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 III of the traffic management plan which has temporary concrete barrier installed along the skip lines for both the northbound and southbound lanes reducing traffic to one lane (outside lane) in each direction. This traffic setup will be in place during the fall and winter months and will allow the Contractor to demolish and replace the bridge deck and guard rail at the center median. Concrete deck repairs and a new concrete overlay will also be done to the inside (high speed) 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 has been completed. The Contractor continues to sand blast and paint the structural steel on the underside of the bridge. 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 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.

A. Piatt Andrew Bridge Update

With the summer construction season winding down, progress continues at the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge and a fall construction schedule will be implemented. To read MassHighway's progress update please "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 new sidewalk section along with new Minnesota bridge rail (on left).

Photo showing epoxy coated rehabbed supporting cross beam at Pier #3.

Release Date – September 8, 2009


Municipality Gloucester
Project Bridge Preservation: Route 128 over the Annisquam River
Status 60% 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 changing back to 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 right travel lanes. The Contractor has completed most of the masonry repairs/rehabilitation below the bridge. Structural steel repair is ongoing. The Contractor has also started cleaning the structural steel below the deck in preparation for new paint. The Contractor has been working various Saturdays and Sundays 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.