Bridge Replacement Rte. 44 over Rte. 24

Project Overview:

This project included demolition and bridge replacement of existing two-span steel girder bridge in two phases that involved replacing Route 44 over Route 24, resurfacing Route 24 and the associated ramps and roadway reconstruction of Route 44, including temporary and permanent drainage, signals, and signage. To improve clearance and roadway grades the new roadway was up to 4 feet higher than the existing roadway, adding additional complexities to the traffic staging at ramps and intersections. Construction was completed with minimal interruption to the heavily congested Route 44 traffic. The SPS Team worked closely and cooperatively with District 5 staff to complete this difficult project most efficiently.  The Team successfully performed MassDOT’s first use of the bridge slide to minimize traffic disruptions by sliding a new bridge into the location of the old one during a weekend shutdown.

Key Challenges Overcome:

Complex traffic management using RTTM Technology.  Construction completed with minimal interruption to traffic.  

Incentives / Awards

CEC 2022 Silver Award – Outstanding Professional Design Excellence

DBIA 2021 Gold Award

BSCES 2021 Project of the Year Award

Interesting Facts / Figures

SPS used the ATC process to innovate, changing the project from three phases to two by using the first-ever lateral bridge slide in Massachusetts. SPS also coordinated the relocation of all utilities permanently off of the bridge.