What's the Latest on Route 128 Construction? [IMAGES]

At the start of the new year we mentioned that the Route 128 construction in Danvers would be . Wondering what exactly is happening right now to make that happen?

Here's the latest from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation:

• Soil Remediation – To date, the contractor has removed and transported approximately 11,100 tons of contaminated soil to a licensed disposal facility.  The removal of the remaining stockpiled soils from the Route 35 (High Street) interchange is currently underway.  It is estimated that approximately 800 tons of the soil meets the criteria for reuse at an in-state landfill situated in Haverhill.  The Contractor’s Licensed Site Professional (LSP) is preparing the waste characterization addendum to apply for pre-acceptance of the soil at the landfill.  
• 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.   
• Retaining wall/Sound wall – Chain link fencing has been installed on top of the wall caps.
• Roadway and Traffic Signal reconstruction – The traffic signal subcontractor continues working at the six signal locations within the project.  MassDOT is continuing to work to resolve the right of way issue within 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.  The new off ramp from Route 128 North to Route 62 was opened on January 19th.  The new off ramp is open for movements to Route 62 east only.  The opening of the ramp should ease some of the prior traffic congestion that has been occurring at the Liberty Street intersection.

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.