Route 128: Bridge Work Complete, Lane Closures Still Expected [PHOTOS]

Wondering the status of the Route 128 construction project?

The Mass. Department of Transportation released the following information last week with the latest progression updates:

General Description of Work/Locations:

• Soil Remediation – To date, the contractor has removed and transported approximately 15,100 tons of contaminated soil to a licensed disposal facility.  This includes the removal of the previously stockpiled soils from the Route 35 (High Street) interchange. There are 3 remaining areas that will require further testing/remediation/removal based on continuing assessments and analytical testing of the soil.  These additional areas are located as follows: 1) adjacent to the Route 128 North off ramp to Route 35; 2) a steep wooded area along Route 128 North adjacent to the Crane River wetlands; 3) a wooded area along Route 128 South in the area adjacent to the River Run Condominiums.  MassDOT installed fencing around the third area to prevent entry until a plan to handle and treat the contaminated soils has been finalized.  
• Bridge Replacement - Route 128 traffic continues to utilize the central portion of the newly completed bridge over the railroad corridor.  The second phase of bridge work is substantially complete.  There are several minor work items related to the concrete deck surface that remain.   
• Sound wall – The contractor has commenced work on the sound wall located along the Route 128 South off ramp at Route 35/Milton Road.  
• Roadway and Traffic Signal reconstruction – MassDOT’s Right of Way section approved the revised Right of Way Plans prepared by the design consultant for the additional property acquisition in the southeast corner of the Route 62 intersection with Liberty Street that has been affecting the completion of the utility relocation and the final roadway and traffic signal work at this location.    
• Ramps - The new off ramp from Route 128 North to Route 62, which was opened in January, continues to be limited to movements to Route 62 east only.  In response to concerns expressed regarding traffic congestion during peak commuting periods, MassDOT modified the traffic signal timing to provide additional green time on Route 62 during certain periods of the day on weekdays.  New temporary guide signs will be installed on Route 128 during the week of March 12th to provide additional direction to drivers regarding appropriate exit ramp information.
• Water main break – A 30” water main, owned by the City of Salem, ruptured on March 1st in the area of the ramps to and from Route 128 North from and to Route 62.  The break, which was not related to any work associated with the project, resulted in the ramps being closed until late in the afternoon on March 2nd.  MassDOT staff and the contractor assisted the City of Salem’s contractor by providing signs and message boards to assist with the associated detours.
• Danvers Electric improvements – Danvers Electric completed an aerial crossing of Route 128 during the morning of March 11th to install new high voltage lines.  The work required several brief periods when traffic on Route 128 was stopped.  There will be 3 additional crossings that take place but have not yet been scheduled.

Work Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM – dependant on traffic and weather conditions.  In an effort to expedite the completion of the work, MassDOT approved a request from the contractor to work extended hours, including overnight operations and weekends, at no additional cost to the contract.

Anticipated Lane Closures or Detours: The existing on ramp from Route 35 (High Street) East to Route 128 South and the existing off ramp from Route 128 South to Route 35 (High Street) East remain closed.  Affected drivers are being diverted to the ramps located in the northwest quadrant of the interchange using Milton Road.  The existing on ramp from Route 62 (Elliot Street) East to Route 128 North remains closed with affected drivers being diverted to Liberty Street.  There may be periodic lane closures during the week as needed for maintenance of the work zone roadways to address any potholes etc.  

Anticipated Parking or Pedestrian Access Impacts:  None at this time.

Have further questions about the project? Let us know in the comments or by emailing danvers@patch.com and your question could be featured in our next You Ask, Patch Answers.