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Date: 10/10/2018
WEST SPRINGFIELD – After 75 years standing, the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge, which connects Route 147 across the Westfield River between West Springfield and Agawam, is getting a major makeover. A meeting was held on Oct. 2 at the West Springfield Town Hall to discuss plans for the upcoming project and to give residents of the affected area an opportunity to voice concerns and questions.
The informational meeting included Sarah Paritsky, Public Outreach Coordinator of Regina Villa Associates, Peter Cavicchi, District Highway Director for MassDOT and Shawn Clark, Project Manager of the bridge project from Northern Construction Service, LLC.
The meeting included a step-by-step Powerpoint presentation, showing residents what each phase of the project will entail and the timeline set for each project. Cavicchi explained during the presentation that the average lifespan of a bridge is 75 years, making the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge long overdue for an upgrade. The existing bridge does not accommodate pedestrians with sidewalks or bicycle lanes, and does not include a right turn onto the Big E. These are issues that the new bridge will address.
The new design includes five lanes and two shoulders. Turning lanes will be added on both ends of the bridge. A crash-protected, two-way bicycle lane will be featured on the east side of the bridge.
Both residents and local officials brought up a number of concerns during the question and comment portion of the meeting, including public safety, Big E traffic and the affect on small businesses. The common concern of the public is the construction schedule. The project was initially presented with a timeline of three years. It was announced during the meeting that the project would now take a minimum of 47 months. Citing issues such as weather and water conditions, Clark explained that there would need to be breaks in the process. Northern Construction Service hopes to be in the final completion stage of construction in August 2022. The west side is expected to be complete by August 2020 and the east side April 2022.
This month, Northern Construction Service will begin installation of traffic management signs. Construction will direct drivers to the Strathmore Bridge, and residents are concerned about the CSX freight trains that typically block the roads leading to it. Signs will also be installed warning drivers if access to the bridge is currently blocked.
By November, traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction until a projected timeframe of summer 2022. Construction will only occur between 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with additional work on nights and weekends to accommodate traffic. The MassDOT will provide traffic notices via email and press releases to minimize traffic impacts.
While Clark assured the public that access to local businesses would be maintained at all times for the duration of the project, the public and small business owners still have their concerns.
With updates to the bridge comes a headache for the residents of Agawam and West Springfield, who are concerned about the increase in traffic. After a successful 2018 year with record-breaking attendance, the Big E caused traffic jams in September that affected the daily lives of Agawam and West Springfield residents. A fear that reducing the bridge to one lane of traffic in either direction will make this worse is on the minds of several in the surrounding towns.
Cavicchi addressed the concerns during the meeting. He stated, “A year from now, we will be in the stage where you only have two lanes. That has to stay because there is no way to squeeze in another lane or push out the barrier. We are restricted to those two lanes unfortunately.”
Cavicchi went on to explain that the sidewalks would be open during the course of the project and that the issues will be discussed with representatives of the Big E before the next fair. There is also a stipulation in the contract stating that no work will occur on the streets for the seventeen-day duration of the Big E fair.
In a press release on Oct. 3, the Eastern States Exposition expressed their involvement with the process, stating “Eastern States Exposition is aware of the impact of the 17 day Big E on our communities and has continually taken action to mitigate it. We have a broad spectrum of services that we coordinate and Agawam has always had a seat at the table. We have never shied away from our responsibilities to Agawam and have always had open dialogue with the Mayor’s office and law enforcement. We understand the challenges we create and accept responsibility. We are continually seeking ways to make improvements. The Town and ESE share the same goal – to safely and efficiently move traffic in and out of the area. We look forward to continuing to adopt best practices on traffic flow with local communities and MassDOT.”
Eastern States Exposition also stated in the press release that they have granted an easement of its property to ensure the project is completed efficiently, as well as a temporary easement allowing for the storage of construction equipment on the property.
Mayor William P. Sapelli of Agawam took the microphone with Mayor William Reichelt of West Springfield in an attempt to alleviate the tension of the topic. Mayor Reichelt said, “I’m happy that we have a local contractor that’s working on this. I’m looking forward to the bridge work being done because I think both sides of the bridge definitely have intersection improvements that will move traffic.”
Mayor Sapelli agreed, “We’ve all sat on that bridge and felt it moving. We know it needed to be replaced. It’s got to be done. It’s not an easy project.”
Despite the frustrations of the public, construction work will begin on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge this month. Lifestyle adaptations will be necessary in order to achieve a steadier and more functional bridge.
The MassDOT has created a website and email address for those with questions, concerns or seeking updates. Updates on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge project will be provided at www.mass.gov/morgan-sullivan-bridge-replacement-project. The email is morgansullivanbridge@dot.state.ma.us.