MassDOT this summer will replace 14 deteriorated bridge superstructures on I-93 in the city of Medford. The superstructure replacements at the core of the "93Fast14" project will take place on weekends in June, July and August (except for the 4th of July), avoiding impact on weekday rush-hour traffic.
The 93Fast14 project is part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's historic Accelerated Bridge Program to repair the Commonwealth's structurally-deficient bridges.
Follow the latest construction and traffic information on the 93Fast14 website, and check out the video explaining the project below.
the detour signs are not marked correctly or efficiently. The onramp in medford was closed and the detour signs directed me to the same spot 30 minutes later! Very frusterating!! It would have been more helpful if the ramp closure was posted earlier so I could have avoided the mess and hoped on 93 earlier
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Thanks for the comment. The decision was made to shut off access to I-93 southbound from Route 60 (Salem Street) coming out of Medford Square due to public safety concerns expressed by the Medford Police Department. MassDOT acknowledges that the detour route was circuitous and tried to get supplemental signing posted to improve the changes to the detour route. In an effort to address this for future weekends, MassDOT has asked that any changes to the posted detour routes be evaluated and properly signed before the changes are made in the field.
Posted by: Kristy Garon | June 15, 2011 at 05:46 PM
It seems to me, much higher dollar costs and traffic costs are incurred because proper maintenance was not done. Maintenance has costs, of course, but when delayed, it usually is a matter of penny saved shortly, but pound foolish in the long.
My impression is that this huge project was made necessary only because regular maintenance was not carried out. It is a major failure to avoid $1 million in maintenance and then spend $ 1 BILLION 10 years later to replace what could have been saved.
Bridges with good quality concrete, re-bar, and sealants are still in good condition after 40 years in Germany and Switzerland. They will be good for the next 40 years.
Spending 10-20% more for high quality seems to be a good benefit for taxpayers.
How much of these present costs are due to delayed, ignored, and poor maintenance?
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Thanks for the comments. I-93 has received regular maintenance; however, these bridges are 60 years old. The cost of replacing the 14 bridges is actually $91 million.
Posted by: Sue | June 09, 2011 at 06:56 PM
how are people suppose to get to new hampshire on weekends f 93 will be closed fri-mon
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I-93 will be open, not closed, but reduced to 2 lanes in each direction between 8pm Fridays and 5am Mondays. Consider alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion. Maps and other information are on the website:
www.mass.gov/massdot/93fast14
Posted by: nancy reid | June 05, 2011 at 10:49 AM
What will the zipper lane on 93 south in medford be used for after the bridge construction has been completed?
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The movable "zipper" barrier is being rented by the Design-Build joint venture team, White-Kiewit, as part of the Fast 14 project and it will be returned to the manufacturer (Barrier Systems) when the job is completed.
Posted by: BG | June 03, 2011 at 11:25 AM