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Replacement of the Fore River Bridge is being
conducted through the Patrick-Murray Administration's historic Accelerated
Bridge Program (ABP). The ABP commits $3 Billion over
the next eight years to reduce the number of structurally deficient and
functionally obsolete
bridges in the Commonwealth and to prevent other bridges from falling
into this classification. Replacement of the Fore River Bridge is one
of the most significant projects in this program.
The ABP makes use of a
range of innovative techniques including:
• Accelerated project scheduling.
• New construction
estimating techniques.
• Innovative construction techniques.
• Streamlined environmental permitting.
A
Design/Build Project
To speed construction of a replacement for
the Fore River Bridge, the new span will be built using
a design/build procurement method. Unlike in traditional projects where
design
firms complete the entire design and the project is advertised and
awarded to
the low bidder, the design/build entity is chosen based on a best-value
basis
using a design/build procurement process. The design/build entity will
be
responsible for progressing a set of 25% plans to final design and
constructing
the project. This approach allows for a
design/build entity to be out in construction sooner in that portions
of the
project can be constructed while the final design is completed. In
addition,
this procurement method allows MassDOT to take advantage of the
contractors
construction expertise during final design. This tends to result in a
shorter
construction schedule by using accelerated construction techniques, and
therefore, reduces overall project costs.
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ACCELERATED
BRIDGE PROGRAM