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PROGRESS REPORT/SCHEDULE

Learn More About the Overall Project Schedule

Progress Report - Construction Underway

On May 6, 2013, roadway construction related to the Burns Memorial Bridge replacement project will result in minimal changes to traffic patterns on North Lake Avenue and Belmont Street (Route 9) in Worcester. For full details, please see our media release.

Reconstruction of North Lake Avenue will begin between Belmont Street (Route 9) and South Road. To minimize traffic impacts, construction will be phased with work starting on the southbound side of North Lake Avenue. During this period, all traffic will be shifted to the northbound lanes creating two-way opposing traffic.As part of this phase of the project, the U-turn for motorists seeking to go south on Lake Avenue will be closed. Motorists seeking to go south should proceed to the next U-turn approximately 1,000 feet further north. Throughout work on North Lake Avenue, access will be maintained for all abutters. It is anticipated that these conditions will last approximately eight weeks.

Work on Belmont Street between Lake Avenue and Alvarado Avenue will move from preliminary utility work to major reconstruction. Work will be completed in a series of phases with traffic shifted around the work zone as needed. Two lanes in each direction will be maintained and shifts will take place off-peak to minimize traffic disruptions.

While the conditions described above have been carefully planned to minimize impacts to traffic, MassDOT generally recommends that motorists allow additional time for their trip and exercise caution while traveling through the work zone. If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to contact us.

Work is also ongoing on the bridge itself. Over the next few weeks, work will include:

• Forming, reinforcing and pouring of concrete for the perched pier caps in the Lake.
• Completing the west abutment concrete.
• Forming, reinforcing and pouring of concrete at the east abutment.
• Work on Lake Avenue and Belmont Street as outlined above.
• Installation of new gas mains by NSTAR and new electrical duct banks by National Grid.
• Continuing off-site fabrication of steel for the bridge's arches.

Description	To enlarge, click on the picture
The photograph at right shows the perched pier cap at pier 2 being prepared for concrete placement.
In this view, users can see forming and reinforcing for the "bump-out" wall at the east abutment. When completed, the bump-outs, one at each corner of the bridge, will include seating and decorative, architectural elements to enhance the bridge's appearance.
Here, viewers can see a newly painted section of steel box arch at the off-site fabrication facility in Maine.
The photograph at right provides viewers with an aerial view of the project site. The rows of objects visible in the water to the left of the existing bridge, indicate the sites of future piers for the new span.

Notice About Lake Quinsigamond Boating Safety

Construction operations for the Burns Bridge will continue throughout the summer. Summertime construction will result in a change from normal conditions on the Lake in that certain arches of the existing bridge will be closed to all boat traffic. A safe passage will be maintained beneath the existing bridge, and the new one as it begins to take shape, but the navigation channel will be more restricted than what was available in the past. For the safety of boaters, please note:

• No Wake Zones have been extended for 300 feet to the north and south of the bridge. These are marked by lighted warning signs and buoys.
• During this summer, the spans which are safe to use will not always be the same. A system of roadway traffic signals suspended over the arches of the existing bridge will mark the safe passage for boaters. A green light shows a safe passage, a red light indicates a closed arch. Be advised that there will often be only a single span available.
• Under conditions when only a single span is available, power boats shall yield to non-motorized craft. Northbound boats will yield to those going south.
• Whether or not work is ongoing, tying up to or climbing on work barges is strictly prohibited. Local police will be monitoring boater compliance. Work barges are not safe for non-construction personnel.
  

These changes have been developed with the concurrence of the Lake Quinsigamond Commission with safety as the paramount concern.  For more information please see our Boating Advisory or feel free to contact us.

Current Work Area