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
Response: The EA/DEIR included a comprehensive construction noise analysis (Section 5.18.3,
page 5-85). As noted in the EA/DEIR analysis, the results indicate that construction noise levels are
expected to comply with criteria guidelines during occasional nighttime activities, but may exceed
criteria guidelines during the daytime for receptors at Whittier Point Condominiums (an estimated
exceedence of 3 dBA above the daytime limit of 75 dBA) due to the expected use of pile drivers to
set new bridge piers in the Merrimack River. MassDOT will require that particularly noisy activities
such as pile driving, hoe ramming, rock drilling, and pneumatic tools operate only during the
daytime. Blasting is not anticipated for the project.
The barrier referenced in the comment is the snow fence described in the response to comment
CST-1 above. Note that this barrier is not intended to mitigate for traffic or construction noise
impacts and is not designed as a noise barrier.
CST-3: In addition to the noise, we have serious concerns about the impact of the construction on our home (e.g., the
physical structure itself). With so much disruption of the earth around our home, it is likely that our physical structure
will experience negative side effects. This worries us for the safety of our children. In addition, with numerous
construction vehicles, changing traffic patterns, and a highway very close to our home, we are quite concerned about
the possibility of accidents that could quite literally end up on our project, both during and after construction. Once the
project begins, our children will no longer be able to play outside as they do now. The safety concerns are simply too
frightening.
Response: A Traffic Management Safety Plan that supports the suggested sequence of operations
for the preferred alignment and bridge alternative will be developed as part of the preliminary design
for the project. The construction contract specifications will require that the design/build contractor
further develop a comprehensive work zone safety program, including other best practices related to
work zone safety. MassDOT is committed to maintaining work zone safety consistent with Work
Zone Safety Guidelines and national standards.
In the event of an incident during construction, MassDOT will implement the necessary mitigation
measures to respond to the severity and duration of the incident. For example, if a longer term
response (one or more days) is required, measures such as updates to the project web site, notices
to the travelers information service (Mass511), and variable message signs along I-95 before the
work area would inform travelers of the roadway conditions and provide information on alternate
routes (if applicable) or other relevant information so that delays can be minimized. For shorter term
incidents, MassDOT personnel will work with the local and State Police to manage the incident
appropriately.
All MassDOT contracts include standard specifications that include requirements that fuel and
chemicals are properly stored in designated areas that will be located away from sensitive resources
and abutting residential areas. Provisions for proper cleanup and disposal of any spills are required
under the standard contract specifications.
With regards to potential vehicle accidents or rollovers during construction, a detailed Traffic
Management Plan (TMP) will be developed and approved by MassDOT. As previously noted, and as
stated on numerous occasions in public meetings, three lanes of traffic in each direction will be
provided throughout construction. Lane widths (11-feet on the bridge and 12-feet on the highway)
and shoulder widths (2-feet on the bridge to 4-feet on the highway) will match existing conditions
2-65