Fairfield ? A $2 million bridge deck replacement project on the Western Avenue Bridge in Fairfield that carries Route 139 over I-95 begins in July. This project involves working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes long-term lane closures and detours.
The Western Avenue Bridge in Fairfield crosses over I-95 and will be temporarily closed to all traffic on July 7th from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. During this time, crews will be lifting the bridge in order to install new bridge bearings. There will be a signed detour route during this time.
From July 11th until July 30th, there will be several daytime lane closures with alternating one-way traffic on Route 139 near the Western Avenue Bridge while crews install traffic signals, perform intersection improvements and finish installation of the new bearings. Motorists should expect delays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
From July 30th through October 3rd, there will be alternating one-way traffic on the bridge. Motorists should expect delays. During this timeframe, there will be up to 128 hours of full closure of this bridge. Within the 128 hours, there will be a period of 96 hours when the interstate, directly under the bridge, will be closed. Motorists will be detoured to the on and off-ramps to guide them safely around the closed section of I-95.
For updates and to sign up for e-mail alerts, visit mainedot.gov.
This deck replacement project is utilizing new technology which will significantly reduce construction time over a traditional deck replacement project. The deck will be placed in full-depth precast panels and bonded together with a fast setting Ultra High Performance concrete. Using this method, the construction time has been reduced by approximately 50%, thereby significantly reducing the impacts to traffic.
It is anticipated this project, performed by T-Buck Construction of Auburn, will be completed by November 4th, 2016.