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
term repairs, and the indeterminate nature of much of the structure, rehabilitation is considered
impracticable and uneconomic for the following reasons:
1) The original design details, such as the gusset plates, are susceptible to environmental
corrosion, which leads to extensive deterioration and indeterminate but anticipated damage
caused by pack rust within built up plates and gusseted plate connections.
2) Based on costs of similar recent bridge rehabilitation projects in New England and
considering the deteriorated structural bridge elements that need replacement, the cost of
rehabilitating the Whittier Bridge (including construction and subsequent demolition of a
temporary detour bridge) would greatly exceed the cost of constructing a replacement bridge
built to modern standards.
JH-7: Should the DOT construct a replacement for the Whittier Bridge, I would suggest considering alternatives to the
green color so prevalent on our highways. Putting aside the 'historic' nature of green, you might also look at Cor-ten
steel which, although it causes staining, has definite maintenance advantages over paint. Even if Cor-ten is
eliminated, a color resembling that might be a refreshing change from 'DOT green.'
Response: MassDOT has not made a final decision on the paint color for the new Whittier Bridge at
this time.
2.6.5 Anne Federici, Whittier Point Condominium Association
Anne Federici, President of the Whittier Point Condominium Association submitted a letter dated
December 21, 2011.
WPCA-1: Safety - we have already been exposed to dangerous situations both on this bridge and highway through
serious accidents on the highway. If that road is closer, accidents; dangerous chemical spills; chemicals for ice and
snow; noise volumes all create serious threats to residents in the condo complex including three young children
under 6 and senior citizens.
Response: The Whittier Point Condominium Association sent a detailed letter to MassDOT in
February, 2011. Their letter is included in Section 8.5.12 of the EA/DEIR with responses.
Although the relocated I-95 northbound roadway will be closer to the property, it will be separated
from the traffic lanes by the following: a full 10-foot breakdown lane; a jersey barrier between the
breakdown lanes and the 16-foot wide shared use path, and a snow fence on top of a jersey barrier
on top of the retaining wall adjacent to the property (extending 12-feet high above the level of the
road). MassDOT believes that the design of the project will result in safe operating conditions along
I-95.
WPCA-2: Aesthetic devaluation - our properties retain value because of our natural environment for birds, eagles,
animals and fish. This new bridge will disrupt this environment and the construction may impact forever this setting.
Having a bridge almost directly in front of our condos destroys this visual setting. The project will not result in adverse
long-term impacts to the natural environment of the area, following temporary construction period impacts.
Response: It should be noted that the new I-95 northbound bridge, although closer to the property
than the existing bridge, will be constructed entirely within the existing 1951 state highway layout.
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