Replacement of the MBTA Franklin Line over East Street, Westwood, MA

摘要

The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's (MBTA) East Street Bridge carries the MBTA Franklin Line over East Street in Westwood, Massachusetts. The existing bridge was not classified as structurally deficient, but had substandard vertical and horizontal clearance that resulted in many traffic accidents and vehicle collisions with the bridge structure. There were 81 accidents reported between 2009 and 2015 alone. The Franklin Line is a critical part of the MBTA's rail network and is heavily used by both commuter and freight rail. Likewise, East Street is a heavily traveled roadway, and one of only 4 grade separated crossings within the Town of Westwood. It provides a direct connection between Westwood and Interstate Route 95. To minimize disruption to rail service and East Street traffic, accelerated bridge construction techniques were used to the maximum extent practicable.