— Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Wednesday of last week, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in conjunction with the OSPCD Mobility Division held a virtual meeting concerning the preservation of a bridge in the Somerville area.

The bridge is located at the Somerville Viaduct at the intersection of Fellsway, McGrath Highway (Rt 28), and Mystic Avenue (Rt 38). The restoration is being done in order to maintain the functionality of the bridge as a whole.

The meeting was held virtually through Zoom and was in a webinar format. It was led by members of MassDOT and engineers from the construction of the bridge. It was a continuation of a June 8 meeting that had to be terminated due to technological difficulties.

According to District 4 Highway Director Paul Stedman, MassDOT is determined to study noise mitigation in the sector that is being rebuilt. “MassDOT has committed to undertake a comprehensive study to look at all potential options with specific focus on the feasibility of design and construction of sound barriers in I-93 in Somerville,” Stedman said.

Michael O’Dowd, Director of Major Projects at MassDOT, also stated different strategies that are being planned in order to mitigate noise during construction. “If those noise levels that are created are exceeding what the ambient noise is, plus a reasonable level above that. The contractor will have to take precautions, whether it’ll be chaining out equipment using different equipment, or utilizing noise curtains,” O’Dowd said.

In addition to preventing noise pollution, O’Dowd discussed ways that MassDOT will curb environmental pollution in the area. According to O’Dowd, “We have a similar specification that were using for air quality as well to ensure that any concrete that is disrupted or is there are any paint removals, that that’s done within enclosures.”

After detailing these preventive measures, Stedman outlined the different detours that the construction will require. “We’re going to be able to phase the work that’s related to that closure of that southbound on-ramp in a manner that allows for a portion of the on-ramp to be open and then switching to the other side,” Stedman said.

Different safety and accessibility improvements that will be implemented in the area were discussed afterwards. Most of these improvements focus on pedestrian safety, especially increased visibility of sidewalks and crosswalks.

After this, speakers fielded questions from elected representatives, which included Senator Patricia Jehlen, Representative Mike Connolly, Representative Christine Barber, Representative Erika Uyterhaaven and Ward 5 City Councilor Mark Niedergang.

Questions from different members of the public were also fielded.

A recording of this meeting can be found at the MassDOT website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation