BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2004

The 210-mile Interstate 93, one of New England's primary highways, connects Interstate 95 in Dedham, MA, with Interstate 91 in St. Johnsbury, VT. To improve this key route, the New Hampshire DOT is undertaking a $245 million upgrade of I-93 from the town of Salem, at the Massachusetts border, to the I-93/I-293 split in Manchester, NH. This massive 19.8-mile reconstruction effort represents the largest transportation investment in the state since the creation of the interstate system in the 1950s.

As part of this ambitious program, the Berger Group is designing the 7.8-mile southern section, including three exits at Rockingham Boulevard, Pelham Road and Route 111 serving Boston's rapidly growing suburbs. To improve safety and reduce congestion, the Team is expanding the highway to four lanes in each direction and replacing several bridges. When completed the highway will meet the increased demands along the route and significantly reduce journey times from Boston to the New Hampshire suburbs.

Keene, NH, is a small town of 20,000 people, but is well known for its cultural and historic sites. Recently, the National Register of Historic Places named Keene as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Places for its Currier and Ives charm. The Rating Guide to Life in America's Fifty States identified the region as one of the most attractive residential areas, but also highlighted Keene's growing traffic problems. To improve the road network, the New Hampshire DOT is undertaking a $65 million initiative to upgrade Routes 9, 10, 12, 32 and 101 in Keene.

Under this program the Berger Group is working with New Hampshire DOT and the citizens of Keene to redesign 14 miles of primary routes in the area and install improved signaling and interchanges. To improve traffic flow through the town's main routes, Berger is installing 17 permanent traffic signals, upgrading three interchanges and widening or replacing 13 bridges. Because these routes are the primary connectors to the neighboring cities of Swanzey, Troy, Walpole and Brattleboro, VT, the Team developed temporary routes and signals to maintain traffic in the region's economic hub during construction.

As part of this program, Berger planners and engineers also worked with citizens' groups to identify problem areas and upgrade other interchanges. The Team recently completed a comprehensive study of 10 roundabouts, including traffic assessments and geometric studies in response to a grass-roots initiative. During the second phase of the roundabout upgrades, the Team will prepare preliminary designs and impact assessments for six of the problem roundabouts, and traffic analyses for four traffic circles along Winchester Street, linking Route 10 and Main Street. The Team is also designing multi-use trails along the routes, enhancing the family-friendly character of this historic town.

Route 121 in Vermont is a major regional route joining the historic towns of Cambridgeport and Grafton. The road follows the Saxtons River, and because of the natural beauty of the area, is frequently used by tourists and bicyclists, as well as local commuters. However, in winter, this narrow winding highway becomes especially treacherous, and its upgrade has long been a priority for residents. Under the new V-Trans Local Transportation Facilities program, the Berger Group was selected by V-Trans and the Windham Regional Commission to prepare designs for widening the road and removing several sharp turns and dangerous corners.

The Team conducted preliminary studies, including aerial mapping, ground surveys and environmental and archaeological assessments. While conducting core drillings the Team discovered that the tight wet soil of the area would swell during the winter, causing cracks in the pavement and making a simple resurfacing ineffective. Based on this information, Berger identified alternatives and developed final designs, including the replacement of the Leach Brook Bridge; widening and improving the roadway; adding retaining walls and steep slopes to minimize adverse environmental impacts; and increasing driver safety by straightening dangerous corners. To maintain the rural character of this scenic drive, the Team proposed extensive landscaping using indigenous plants and shrubs.

Route 295 serves as a connector between I-95 and I-495, two principal highways. To improve connections between the city of Portland and these critical links, the Berger Group, in collaboration with Cianbro, was selected to design and build a connector between I-295 and the Congress Street Interchange. The new 1.8-mile road will parallel the waterfront and include three new railroad bridges and the reconstruction of Veteran's Circle.

The Team fast-tracked the designs for this $18 million route, completing detailed plans in only seven months. The plans included utilities relocation, improved signaling and the construction of landscaped embankments along the waterfront. The design/build Team carefully coordinated their efforts with railroad representatives to allow the connector road to be completed within one season, while maintaining rail operations. Berger also developed an innovative plan to keep traffic moving on the heavily-traveled Veteran's Circle, reducing delays along Veteran's Memorial Bridge and Valley Street.