MBTA Dorchester Avenue Bridge Replacement
Constructability Reviews
CPM Scheduling
Cost Estimating
Document Control
Construction Oversight
Boston
MA
Map
Project Overview
Built in 1925 and rehabilitated in 1975, the Dorchester Ave Bridge (MBTA B-16-129 (4VM)) is located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, situated between the intersections of Dorchester Ave, Von Hillern St, and Kemp St. It spans the MBTA Red Line, Commuter Rail Old Colony Lines, and Cabot Yard maintenance tracks. Originally constructed as three separate structures, it has been consolidated into a single two-span bridge.
The renovation included a full deck replacement with precast panels, reconstruction of the south abutment and pier with driven piles and pile cap foundations, and a new seat on the granite north abutment. Additional enhancements included building a temporary utility bridge and a new soil nail retaining wall alongside Von Hillern St. Project phasing was influenced by utility diversions, with updates to the schedule to accommodate these changes.
CHALLENGES
SIGNIFICANT UTILITY COORDINATION
Coordinating construction activities around a network of critical utilities, including MBTA Power Department lines, BWSC water and drain lines, various telecommunication providers, and National Grid gas mains, required navigating complex interdependencies and demanded careful planning.
WORKING OVER MBTA TRACKS
Due to its position over six active rail lines, the Dorchester Ave Bridge replacement project had to work within very specific windows to avoid impacting Red Line and Commuter Rail operations.
ABUTTING PROPERTIES
Extensive pre- and post-construction surveys and deformation monitoring of abutting properties had to be undertaken, reflecting the project's complex interaction with its urban setting.
Our solution
SMK was engaged as a Construction Strategist to support Patrick Engineering (now RINA) during the design phase with a Constructability Review. Our role involved identifying and proposing solutions to various issues to mitigate impacts on schedule, cost, procurement viability, and overall buildability. The review encompassed the contract time determination schedule, construction cost estimates, and 75% of the design plans and specifications. At the request of the Engineer of Record, SMK was further retained by Gill Engineering Associates, Inc. to provide support during the construction phase as an Agency Construction Management consultant.
In this capacity, SMK offered feedback and guidance on construction schedules, change orders, work plans, sequencing, and construction activities, and performed site inspections to ensure contract compliance and address constructability issues. Additionally, SMK supported the MBTA and the designer with document control and eBuilder throughout the construction process.
Early Identification and Mitigation of Construction Issues
SMK's constructability analysis during the design phase identified and addressed potential construction challenges early, minimizing risks related to schedule, cost, and the project's unique logistical constraints.
Expert Construction Management and Oversight
SMK's field presence and expert guidance during construction ensured strict contract compliance, and resolved constructability issues in real-time.
Construction Schedule Reviews and Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs):
SMK provided focused oversight of contractor schedule submissions and developed ICEs to validate cost proposals and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.
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