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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