NEW BEDFORD- BRIDGE REPLACEMENT, N-06-020, I-195 (EB & WB), RAMP C & F OVER ST 18, COUNTY STREET, STATE STREET, MASS COASTAL RAILROAD, PURCHASE STREET, WELD STREET, INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO N-06-021, N-06-022, F-01-008

This bridge project will result in the replacement of the existing 1,350 feet long viaduct bridge structure that carries Interstate I-195 over the Route 18 interchange, Mass Coastal railroad, County Street, Purchase Street, State Street and Weld Street. The 15 span I-195 bridge will be replaced with one continuous eight span steel girder bridge and two simple span steel stringer bridges. The remaining five spans will be replaced with highway embankment retained by Pre-cast Modular Gravity walls. Two multi span ramp bridges will also be replaced. The 400 foot long seven span bridge carries I-195 westbound off-ramp to Rt. 18 southbound (Ramp C) and the 650 foot long nine span bridge carries I-195 eastbound off-ramp to Rt. 18 southbound (Ramp F) will be replaced with highway embankment retained by Pre-cast Modular Gravity walls. Ramp F bridge over Weld Street will be replaced with a simple span steel girder bridge.. The new bridges will reuse a portion of the existing bridge piers and abutments. Repairs and upgrades will be made to the existing piers, abutments. These will be supplemented with sections of new piers and abutments. The interstate roadway will be widened 24 to 30 feet to accommodate four lanes traffic during staged construction and will result in ten foot wide breakdown lanes in both directions. The westbound weaving segment between the Route 18 on and off ramps will be widened and the on-ramp will be lengthened by several hundred feet to provide more room to merge with oncoming traffic. Approximately 2,000 feet of the approach on Interstate I-195 to the bridges will be reconstructed as well. Utilities (including gas, electric, sewer and water, telephone, communication, etc.) and overhead wires will be relocated for construction. The underground Cooper Brook Culvert will also be relocated to accommodate the new highway embankment. To improve the storm-water quality and drainage, a new system with open detention ponds will be constructed in the infield areas. The ponds will detain storm water runoff from the highway and bridges, allow for ground water recharge, and reduce the impacts of stormwater combined with sewer overflows into the Acushnet River.