Tuesday, October 15, 2013

1968 Springfield Ma Elevated I-91 Crumbling

1968 Springfield Ma elevated I91 Crumbling


Massachusetts approves study to overhaul Interstate 91 through Springfield


BOSTON — In a step forward for a massive transportation project in Western Massachusetts, the state has chosen a consultant to study possible alternative alignments for Interstate 91 through Springfield, while highway officials proceed with a plan to replace decks on a deteriorating elevated portion of the highway in the city.

The transportation department on late Friday said that it has picked the Cheshire, Conn.-based consulting firm Milone & MacBroom Inc. to evaluate alternatives for a section of Interstate 91 including possibly depressing the highway section to ground level or below ground.

At the same time, the state highway division will be moving forward with a plan to replace decks on the crumbling Interstate 91 viaduct, a spokeswoman said.

"We have an immediate need to replace the decks that are elevated," said Cynthia Roy Gonzalez, the transportation department's assistant secretary for communications, on Tuesday.

She said she could not say when construction would start on the deck replacement, other than to say it would be soon.

She said that Milone & MacBroom would study a section of Interstate 91 south of the most elevated portion of the viaduct near the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

At the same time, the state highway division will develop a plan for replacing the decks of the existing Interstate 91 viaduct, which has raised safety concerns. In April, after a big chunk of concrete fell from the section, Gov. Deval L. Patrick said the state would have "a big, big problem" if the Interstate 91 viaduct falls down.

Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette said it is important to find a solution to the I-91 viaduct. Bissonnette said if it continues to crumble, it might need to be shut down. He said it's the most important transportation priority in Western Massachusetts. "We have to have a plan," he said.

While $400 million is the estimate for replacing the viaduct, the cost could run to $1 billion if part of the highway is depressed to ground level or a tunnel, Bissonnette said.

The upcoming study by Milone & MacBrooms, which has an office in Springfield, is aimed at taking up some longtime concerns that Interstate 91 hurts access to the Connecticut River and to attractions such as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

The study also comes while MGM Resorts International is planning an $800 million casino in the South End of Springfield that would front Interstate 91 and would draw most of its traffic from the highway. MGM is competing with Mohegan Sun Massachusetts in Palmer for a single state casino license for Western Massachusetts.

Timothy W. Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which had a representative on a panel to select the consultant for the study, said the deck replacement needs to happen soon, but it's a good idea to look at future alternatives for aligning the highway.

According to an overview of the study provided by the transportation department, the depression of the highway section to ground level or below ground could be less disruptive to Springfield than the current design. In the long term, it might also be better for the environment and the economy than the existing configuration, the overview said.

Roy Gonzalez said below ground could mean a tunnel or "a boat section," where the road is below grade with retaining walls.

"The study will entail the development and analysis of a full range of alternatives including interchange, highway and non-highway improvements as well as options and design elements that improve access in all modes," said the overview, which was provided at the request of The Republican.

The state is starting contract negotiations with Milone & MacBroom with a goal of starting work in January, Roy Gonzalez said.

Milone & MacBroom will coordinate with the state highway division as it moves forward with its proposal to replace the decks on the viaduct.

The planned Milone & MacBroom study is another step toward deciding the future of the highway.

Francis DePaola, administrator for the state highway division, has said the decks on the viaduct could be replaced in two years.

At the end of June, Richard A. Davey, secretary and CEO of the transportation department, said the Interstate 91 project is a priority and the state is "very committed" to getting it done. Davey has said that the overhaul of the viaduct could cost $400 million. Davey has said the elevated section is in terrible condition, but it is safe and it is being monitored by the state.

Roy Gonzalez said the transportation department likely will secure funding for the Interstate 91 project if state legislators, as expected, approve a transportation bond bill filed by the governor in March.

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