West Side and Agawam prepare for Phase 1 of Morgan-Sullivan construction

Oct. 31, 2018 | Stephanie Trombley
stephanie@thereminder.com

The Morgan-Sullivan Bridge.
Reminder Publishing photo by Stephanie Trombley

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Daytime lane closures began last week for the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge replacement project. In what has been a controversial reconstruction project for the community, last week’s preparation for Phase 1 of the official construction starting in November marks the beginning of a large project for the Agawam and West Springfield community.

From Oct. 22 to Oct. 26, MassDOT contractor Northern Construction closed a single lane in each direction on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge. The closures avoided rush hour in an attempt to manage traffic disruptions and were closed between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The closures were a part of preliminary work including the installation of traffic management signs, tree clearing and vegetation management, installation of erosion and sediment controls and to perform temporary deck improvements including concrete chipping and patching.

Included in the closures were single lane overnight closures. From Oct. 22 to Oct. 26, Northern Construction utilized closures from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

According to West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt, the lane closures have been successful thus far. He stated, “Everything seems to be going well. Work begins in the Spring. I’m pleased it’s a local contractor and that they and Mayor Sapelli have been responsive over the course of preparation.”

While the traffic impact during the preliminary stage was limited as Northern Construction began working, many residents are concerned that this is the calm before the storm. The reconstruction project, announced earlier this year, has been the talk of both Agawam and West Springfield residents. With concerns about travel, emergency vehicle access and the affect on local businesses, much of the community spoke out against the projected 4-year timeline set for the completion of the bridge.

Danielle Placanico, owner of Darker Image Tanning Salon in Agawam, expressed concerns about the effects of the construction on her business during the town meeting on Oct. 2. “When that blocks my parking lot, where are my customers going? Where are they parking?” she asked.

Agawam Mayor William Sapelli addressed the concerns of business owners, stating, “Business owners are wanting some guarantees that it won’t impact business. It will impact them in a negative way. People will try to avoid the bridge and that’s unfortunate. Hopefully construction workers will go to local businesses.”

Mayor Reichelt believes the construction will benefit the towns in the long run. “Everyone is in favor. Once its done, it will dramatically improve traffic. There is a fear that the Department of Transportation is saying it can take four years and these are growing pains.”

Not all residents have expressed concern over the bridge construction. Tony Lissandri, a longtime resident of Agawam, said, “As a citizen of Agawam, I believe the construction on the Morgan Sullivan Bridge will have minimal effect on my travels or on local businesses, as there are alternate local routes in and out of West Springfield like Bridge Street and Route 57 and 5.”

While residents can alternatively utilize the Strathmore Bridge, CSX freight trains currently block the roads leading to it up to three times a day for over 45 minutes each time. This has triggered some concerns from the public.

Sapelli plans to meet with CSX in order to show them the specific issues with current train blockage. “There are still issues that need to be addressed. Emergency vehicles are unable to use the road and it can be problematic to safety. We are working with CSX for a resolution to issues such as the amount of trains and their frequency. We are proposing signs near Friendly’s and Sarat Ford to signal when a train is crossing.”

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, Northern Construction will begin removing the median on Memorial Avenue. Between Colony Road and the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge, there will be lane closures from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The lane closures will continue from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. These closures are in order to complete deck repairs on the east side of the bridge.

Road Work, Stage 1 is set to begin on Nov. 1 and traffic will be on the east side of the bridge while the west side is rebuilt. During this stage, existing medians will be removed and paved with temporary asphalt, temporary traffic signals and pedestrian detours will be installed, line striping for new traffic configuration will be painted and temporary fencing and barriers will be installed. In addition, Northern Construction will install drainage, water, electrical and new permanent traffic signals as well as relocate utility pole and overhead wires.

While these lane closures were minimal in the early stages, with extended closures and overlapping work expected, there may be a greater impact in the coming weeks. Residents and business owners will see effects on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge as the project begins in November.

For more information on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge project and to receive up-to-date traffic alerts, please visit www.mass.gov/morgan-sullivan-bridge-replacement-project.

Share this: