Representative Steven Howitt Provides Status Updates on Rte. 44 Resurfacing and Other Local Road Projects

Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) released the following statement today concerning the resurfacing and related work planned for Rte. 44, as well as the status of other local road projects in Rehoboth and Seekonk:

After much lobbying, I was happy to learn that the resurfacing and related work on Rte. 44 was included in the MassDOT 5 Year Transportation Improvement Program for an estimated project cost of $7,776,000. However, I was disappointed to learn that the bid for this project will not take place until 2019. When I learned of this schedule, I contacted the MassDOT headquarters in Boston to let them know that, given the present condition of the patched road, this timeline was unacceptable.

I’m pleased to report that a short term compromise was agreed to by MassDOT where the worst spots of the roadway will be milled/scarified (removal of existing asphalt that is found to be unacceptable) and resurfaced from the RI line to the Taunton line. This work is to be done at night from 7:30 P.M. to 5 A.M to minimize the impact for commuters. Hopefully, the worst areas will be addressed and we will have fewer problems this winter.

I am also pleased to announce the progress of additional roadwork occurring in Rehoboth and Seekonk, as reported by MassDOT:

Rehoboth:
Wheeler St. Bridge – Project #86467; Contract price:$1,600,015

The Wheeler Street Bridge reconstruction is at 71% with a completion date of 4/10/2017. Currently the contractor, Walsh Construction from No. Attleboro, is forming and placing concrete for wing walls and headwalls. Future operations include waterproofing and backfilling precast arches.

Intersection improvements & related work at Winthrop St. (Rte. 44) and Anawan St. (Rte. 118) – Project #608230; Estimated cost: $2,100,000

Design has not started and advertising date to be determined. Funding for this project has not been identified. Base survey has been completed.

Work on this project consists of traffic signal and geometric improvement at the intersection of Rte. 44 and Rte. 118. In addition to geometric improvement and signals, additional safety improvements will be made for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.

This location has been identified by SRPEDD as having a higher than normal crash rating in the Southeast Region. The skew of the Rte. 118 northbound approach creates difficulties for opposing vehicles making left-hand turns from Rte.44.


Seekonk:
Seekonk Rte. 114A, Arcade Ave. & Mill Rd. – Project#84663; Contract price: $2,487,166

Work on this project includes the installation of traffic signals as well as geometric improvements at Rte. 114A, Arcade Ave. & Mill St. Sidewalk and bicycle accommodating shoulders will be constructed. Work also includes milling and overlay, drainage upgrades, pavement markings and signs.

Intersection project is at 19% with a completion date 5/02/2017, although this will be extended due to design errors with the footing and retaining wall. The contractor, UEL Contractors, has finished demolition of the existing culvert on the North side and started excavation for the proposed north side footing and pedestal walls; however, while excavating for the north footing it was discovered that a survey/design error has temporarily put that work on hold. The design consultant has been notified of this error and a solution should be rendered by the end of the month. The retaining wall work is also on hold pending a wall type redesign due to an unforeseen condition.

Intersection improvements & related work at Fall River Ave. and County St. – Project #607392; Contract price: $1,402,404.52

Design is at 25%, Scheduled Advertising Date: FFY 2018

Work on this project consists of intersection improvements. Included in the work will be traffic signal upgrades and geometric modifications to the intersection to improve the safety and operation. The intersection will also be upgraded to better accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.

"I am happy to report on this work in progress which will be beneficial to the communities and enhance our public safety," said Representative Howitt.