LMA ROADWAY ADVISORY: STORROW DRIVE TUNNEL INTERIM REPAIR PROJECT

Q&A

1.      What is the scope of work of this project? 

The interim repairs to the Storrow Drive Tunnel will include replacing deteriorated concrete in the roof and wall sections of the approaches and tunnel; installing waterproofing membranes in roof joints to prevent water seepage; removing the tile wall and painting the concrete walls in the Tunnel; replacing, cleaning, and painting of some of the structural steel; and, replacement of the lighting system.  Also, the stormwater collection system in the tunnel will be connected to a groundwater recharge system along Back Street. 

2.      Why did DCR decide on a project of interim repairs?  

These repairs will extend the service life of the tunnel for an additional five years while the design phase of a long-term rehabilitation project, including a public process, occurs.  Additionally, DCR commissioned a peer review of the Storrow Drive Tunnel Project.  This review, conducted by LMI Government Consulting, a nonprofit strategic consulting firm headquartered near Washington, DC, concurred that interim repairs should move forward to ensure the structural integrity of the tunnel. 

3.      Is DCR committed to a long-term Storrow Drive rehabilitation project?  

Yes.  During the five years of service life that the interim repair project will provide for the tunnel, DCR will develop a plan for the long-term rehabilitation of the structure. 

4.      Why not proceed immediately with long-term rehabilitation instead of interim repairs to the Storrow Drive Tunnel?

There are immediate needs and long-term needs of the tunnel.  These repairs will address immediate needs.  The long-term plan for rehabilitation of the tunnel will be partially informed by the results of the road and bridge sequencing study currently being undertaken by DCR, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Executive Office of Transportation, and the Massachusetts Highway Department. 

5.   Will there be a public process associated with the long-term rehabilitation of the Storrow Drive Tunnel?

Yes.  DCR looks forward to hearing from all stakeholders, including neighborhood residents, commuters, public officials, businesses, and institutions. 

5.      Who is the construction contractor for the interim repair project?  What is the cost of the construction contract?  How will DCR exercise oversight?

The construction contractor is SPS New England of Salisbury.  The contract award was for $11.5 million.  DCR will have a resident engineer on site at the project at all times.

6.      Why was the project delayed from the originally-announced date?

The project had been expected to begin in mid-April, but the bidding and award process took longer than expected.  DCR has worked with the contractor to postpone major construction until after the July 4^th activities.

7.      Where will the staging area for the project be located? 

There will be a shared staging area for the Storrow Drive Tunnel Interim Repair and the Bowker Ramp H Repair Projects next to the Charlesgate Lock House, which is located adjacent to the Beacon Street on-ramp of the Bowker Overpass. 

8.      Will there be any impact on the Esplanade by this project?

There will be no impact on the Esplanade during any phase of this project.

9.      When will the construction phase begin?  Finish?  What days of the week will construction take place, and during what hours? 

Construction is expected to start in mid-July and continue until the end of November, then begin again in the spring of 2009.  The project is expected to be completed by the end of June, 2009.  In terms of days-of-the-week, the schedule will be variable.  Most of the work will be done between Sunday and Friday, during overnight hours, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  DCR is very mindful of the impacts to local residents and has sequenced the heaviest (loudest) construction to daytime hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

10.   What impacts will the construction activities have on traffic and how will they be     managed?

The full daytime traffic capacity will be maintained, except periodically when work is being done on surface roads.  During this activity, scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Storrow Drive westbound will be reduced to a single lane of traffic.  Overnight work, to be done in stages, will generally require single-lane closures.  Full closures, during the hours of 11 p.m to 5 a.m., will be required at times.  In the case of all lane closures, DCR will issue traffic advisories as far in advance as possible.  Traffic advisories will also be sent to those who subscribe to “DCR Updates.”  (See below.)

11.  How will the noise impacts of construction be addressed?   

There will be noise impacts, but DCR is working diligently to minimize them.  DCR has instituted a robust sound management program, including active sound monitoring and the installation of noise barriers during construction. 

12.  How will the community be kept updated on project progress and any changes in plans, as well as traffic impacts? 

DCR provides informational updates and traffic advisories related to projects being undertaken in the Charles River Basin via emails to members of an agency-sponsored listserve.  To receive these updates, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/subscribe.htm. 

Information regarding this project will also be made available on the DCR website, www.mass.gov/dcr .       

13.  How should the public connect with DCR to share their concerns or suggestions relative to this project?        

 By emailing dcr.updates@state.ma.us or by calling 617-626-4974.

If you have questions or concerns please call: 

Jack Noonan, Construction Coordinator, MASCO (617) 632-2771, jnoonan@masco.harvard.edu

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