The Fast 14 Project

This paper describes how Massachusetts used accelerated bridge construction to replace fourteen aging structures on a major interstate. The I-93 Fast 14 project allowed the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to accomplish 5 years of work in just 10 weekends. MassDOT developed the replacement concept for the bridges under the Commonwealth's Accelerated Bridge Program. The program employs innovative design, project management and construction techniques, including alternative procurement methods, aggressive traffic management, and prefabricated bridge components. All of these elements formed the foundation for I-93 Fast 14. The aggressive schedule required close collaboration and coordination between all involved parties, and a multi-faceted public awareness campaign. Temporary crossovers were constructed at either end of the project corridor and a moveable barrier was deployed to divide one side of the highway for bidirectional, two-lane operations while bridge work proceeded on the closed side of the highway. By Labor Day 2011, the Fast 14 project had accomplished its goal of substantially completing 14 bridges in 10 weekends without any major incidents. The innovative accelerated bridge construction approach allowed the project to be completed without delays or costly overruns and with minimal disruption to motorists.