Final Environmental Impact Report - Whittier Bridge/I-95 ...

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 2.0: Response to Comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report
travel lanes. The realignment of I-95 northbound and the construction of the new I-95 northbound
bridge will be completed without the need to occupy the existing I-95 northbound lanes. Once all I-95
traffic is moved to the new I-95 northbound bridge, the demolition of the existing bridge and
construction of the new I-95 southbound bridge can likewise be completed without the need to
occupy travel lanes in I-95.
FRS-8: Nevertheless, it is reasonably foreseeable that there will be extensive lane closures on the existing I-95
corridor, on the Whittier Bridge, and four other I-95 bridges being reconstructed within this Project during a four year
interval. Lane closures may be planned during times of day (or night) during which high traffic density is not
anticipated. However, the exact time of day (or night) of severe geomagnetic induced currents, loss of extra high
voltage transformers (with above average risks of blackouts in New Hampshire and the Northeast), or declaration of
a Seabrook Station evacuation emergency cannot be reliably anticipated.
Response: It is incorrect that ―extensive lane closures‖ will occur during the project construction
period. As clearly described in the DEIR (Section 5.18 ), and as stated in numerous public meetings
over the past two years, six travel lanes will be maintained during peak hours of travel at all times
and for the majority of the time during other hours. Minimal periods (several hours or overnight) of
lane closures may be required on an infrequent basis in order to complete traffic lane crossovers or
for the removal or installation of bridge components. As the commenter notes, MassDOT cannot
reasonably plan the construction of a major, time-sensitive construction project such as the Whittier
Bridge project and anticipate the unlikely occurrences cited in the comment.
FRS-9: Studies on the efficacy of emergency evacuations anticipating hurricanes in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas since the year 1998 demonstrate that one of the primary impediments to reliable regional evacuation
involves the abandonment of construction equipment and the blockage of lanes on interstate highways. These
interstate highways are relied upon as emergency evacuation corridors for contraflow evacuations during
emergencies. It is essential that highway and bridge contractors and their employees, and subcontractors and their
employees, receive training in the reliable clearance of all closed Interstate 95 lanes, the removal of all obstructing
equipment, and the reopening of all Interstate 95 lanes so they are effective as emergency evacuation corridors
throughout this Project.
Response: The comment is noted. As is routinely done in the event of emergency situations on the
highway, State Police will ensure that the travel lanes are cleared of any obstructions to ensure the
full capacity of the highway is available.
FRS-10: In the event of a sustained regional electric blackout, without on-station electric power capabilities beyond
those now existing at Seabrook Station, there is an increased risk of zirconium fires with radioactive material
dispersals that depend upon variable wind patterns. The risks of a severe geomagnetic storm that would be likely to
affect the North American electric grid are roughly one percent per year. Without improved on station capabilities to
protect spent fuel pools, the risk of zirconium fires at Seabrook Station are estimated to be approximately 2 percent
over the 10.5 year solar geomagnetic storm cycle. A substantial component of this risk is projected to occur in the
four years of Whittier Bridge and I-95 reconstruction in the years 2013-2016, a period projected to involve above
average solar geomagnetic disturbances.
Response: The comment is noted.
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