Published: 9/20/2020 2:39:37 PM
NORTHFIELD — New details regarding the Schell Bridge reconstruction project have been announced through a design public hearing webinar, and residents have until Oct. 1 to provide public comment to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The webinar was published online Thursday, and can be accessed at bit.ly/350p438.
The proposed project consists of the complete replacement of Schell Bridge, which carries East Northfield Road over the Connecticut River and has been closed since 1985 because it deteriorated beyond being safe to use. The existing bridge will be replaced with a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The new bridge will also be able to support smaller emergency vehicles, such as an ambulance.
“As part of the design process for this project, we are conducting this public hearing to explain the proposed improvements, listen to your comments and answer any questions you may have,” said MassDOT Chief Engineer Patricia Leavenworth in a letter to residents. “At the conclusion of the hearing, MassDOT will review all of your comments and, where feasible, incorporate them into the design of the project.”
The webinar marks the “25 percent design benchmark,” Judy Wagner, a member of the Northfield Schell Bridge Advisory Committee, said previously. The design was produced by the WSP engineering consulting firm, which was contracted through MassDOT.
Next, the final designs will be completed and the project is expected to be advertised for construction bids in fall or winter 2021, with construction beginning in spring 2022 and finishing within three years.
The total project is estimated to cost $22 million, with 80 percent coming from the Federal Highway Administration and MassDOT funding the remaining 20 percent. However, the estimate does not include any right-of-way acquisition costs.
The work will involve roadway work starting approximately 940 feet west of the bridge and ending approximately 1,025 feet east of the bridge. Because the bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic for decades, a detour will not be required.
According to the project overview from WSP Engineer Andrew Benkert, the proposed structure will feature a steel tied arch main span and two steel girder end spans. The entire structure will have a concrete deck and a hot mix asphalt surface for a shared-use path over the new bridge, which will be 18 feet wide on the bridge and 14 feet wide on the approaches.
The existing abutments and wing walls will be retained due to their historic value and unique aesthetic configuration. The two bridge piers will be reconstructed in approximately the same locations, and concrete formliners will be used to provide a similar visual representation of the existing piers.
“Currently, no parking areas exist anywhere near the site,” Benkert said. “It has been proposed to construct two small parking areas at each end of the project. The parking area is currently sized for three vehicles, with one spot dedicated to handicap accessibility.”
A small park to memorialize the Schell Bridge will also be constructed on the north side of the east approach roadway. It will include a memorial plaque and monument consisting of elements taken from the existing bridge structure.
According to the overview, snowmobiles and horses will not be allowed to cross the bridge. Snowmobiles could cause damage to the pavement and concrete deck. Horse access would necessitate having higher railings, which would impact views from the bridge; plus, it could pose a safety issue to mix horse and pedestrian traffic.
Demolition of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge will require work within the Connecticut River. The river will be closed to boat traffic during demolition and construction of the new piers, but otherwise the river will remain open through most construction. After construction is complete, ownership of the structure will be transferred from the town of Northfield to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
All questions and comments submitted in response to the webinar will be reviewed by MassDOT. They may be submitted to Patricia A. Leavenworth, P.E., Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Project Management, Major Projects, Bridge Design Project File No. 607588. Project inquiries may be emailed to dot.feedback.schellbridge@wsp.com.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.
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