Massachusetts Department of Transportation
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
AMESBURY – MAIN STREET OVER THE MERRIMACK RIVER
1ST
LT DEREK S. HINES MEMORIAL BRIDGE
In
accordance with the contract documents, MassDOT conducted a series of
independent tests and inspections on July 18 of the mechanical and
electrical operation systems for the newly constructed
bridge carrying Main Street over the Merrimack River in Amesbury. The
testing confirmed an alignment issue that results in a portion of the
mechanical systems’ operation being out of tolerance with the contract
specifications.
Based
on the precision associated with the bridge’s gearing and drive system,
the affected tolerances are in the range of several thousandths of an
inch. The issue does not affect the safety
of the bridge but is related to future wear and tear on the bridge’s
mechanical system that if not addressed, could impact the structure’s
service life.
On Tuesday, July 24,
the Design-Build team met with MassDOT to present their plan to adjust
the mechanical components to address this issue. MassDOT will expedite
the review
of the proposal to allow the contractor to implement the work as soon
as possible. The contractor expects to begin preliminary work this
weekend with the primary work commencing on July 30. The work is
expected to be completed by August 6, at which time
a follow-up inspection will be held to confirm that the bridge meets
all of the contract requirements necessary to place it into full
operation.
The
bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic while the work proceeds;
however, the navigable channel will be available for marine traffic.
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