The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is preparing for upper and lower roadway construction on the Tobin Memorial Bridge as part of its ongoing effort to maintain one of the region’s most historic bridges for the safe and smooth transit of the traveling public.
This $7 million project is part of a multi-phase deck rehabilitation plan and is expected to begin the week of February 7, 2005. This phase of redecking will encompass the upper and lower roadways of the “old” and current-toll plaza and is estimated to last 18 months. Deterioration of both decks is a result of wear and tear and continuous stop and go traffic at the toll plaza areas. Roadway improvements will begin with the placement of jersey barriers in the far right lane of the upper level. The jersey barriers will direct traffic and ensure the safety of the traveling public and bridge and toll workers.
“When this project is completed, motorists crossing the Tobin Bridge will feel a difference,” said Mary Jane O’Meara, director of the Tobin Bridge. “A smoother and more comfortable ride will be evident as a result of these major roadway improvements.”
Massport has contracted with J.F White Construction Company to manage this phase of the Tobin Bridge’s $30 million redecking project. The project involves the complete lifting of old asphalt and the removal of concrete embedded in the bridge’s metal subsurface grids. New concrete will be poured and the roadway will be resurfaced with Rosphalt-rubberized asphalt that also acts as a waterproofing membrane.
Construction work on the upper level will progress from right to left. Fast Lane-only booths will remain available to transponder holders throughout the construction and will be located in the middle of open-toll lanes. Outer booths will be used for all transactions. Lower level construction will progress from left to right and correspond with upper level work.
Construction is expected to be operational from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Variable message signs with updated lane closure and merge information will be strategically placed along the Tobin Bridge’s North Shore access roads for the public’s convenience. Commuters are advised to check traffic advisories and local and major media outlets for scheduled lane closure-changes and project status reports.