Though deemed safe, the state is investing billions of dollars to repair or replace structurally deficient bridges across Massachusetts.
Structure #111 is just one of 423 bridges across the state deemed structurally deficient.
Structurally deficient bridges usually have a score of 4 or less in one of three critical structures: the deck, superstructure, and substructure. Massachusetts just received $3 billion from the new federal infrastructure plan that will help pay for these projects and MassDOT plans to spend an additional $1 billion through its Next Generation Bridge Program. "This new program enables us to really address a lot of those smaller bridges, ones that are important," he said.
According to a recent presentation, there are a number of plans that would bring I-90 back to grade. The current viaduct would be destroyed, opening up more land for the area and potentially paving the way for a new commuter rail station. The estimated cost is more than $1 billion. “That has always been envisioned as phase one of that larger project. So, moving it up now we really think makes a lot of sense, keeps it safe, keeps it reliable," said Gulliver.
"It's going to take time to get the permitting done, get all the bidding out, get the financing in order. This is not going to happen overnight," said Connaughton."The longer the project takes to get done, you know, the more deterioration there's going to be on the existing viaduct."