Replacement of Existing Structure over the North River
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) selected Weston & Sampson to prepare final design documents for the replacement of an existing three-span historic structure, Howley Street over the North River, in the City of Peabody Massachusetts.
Weston & Sampson prepared detailed bridge type studies, 25% highway plans and bridge sketch plans, construction plans, and special provisions. The bridge type study included several culvert and bridge alternates. The recommended structure addresses site constraints, topography, roadway alignment, geology and hydrology, cost, future maintenance of the bridge, constructability, environmental impacts, and overall aesthetics.
Weston & Sampson approach to the project enabled all existing utilities to remain in service during construction through temporary relocation and/or use of a by-pass system.
Major project challenges included:
- Maintaining an active railroad line immediately adjacent to south bridge abutment
- Presence of a historic brick building adjacent to the bridge north abutment
- Minimizing the duration of the road closure
- Implementation of an alternate river by-pass pumping system