South Station Air Rights Project: Construction Update - September 17, 2021

View this email in your browser The following is an update on construction activity for the South Station Air Rights Project. As construction progresses into Stage 2, work will transition from the station and concourse areas into established construction work zones adjacent to Atlantic Avenue, including Track 13 on east side of the railyard and the primary Tower Work Zone. We will continue to send construction advisories to outline the project progress and schedule, as well as any passenger impacts. We also encourage you to visit the project website and check out the updated Project Photos and Documents page to see the new gallery of construction photos.  During construction, crews will continue to work as efficiently as possible to minimize impacts to the traveling public. We appreciate your patience and engagement during this time.  Construction Update - September 17, 2021 Suffolk Construction, the contractor for the South Station Air Rights Project, will continue daytime and overnight construction at South Station. Please allow extra time (5–10 minutes) as you get used to new construction zones and paths of travel at the station. Trains might arrive and depart on a different track than what is typical. Be sure to check your track number before boarding. Photo taken on September 14, 2021 showing work on the steel structure that will cover the railyard.  Activity on Tracks and Platforms The contractor is currently erecting a steel structure that will cover the entire railyard, which will support the expanded bus terminal. The next phase of steel erection has begun, and the structure (which is currently over Tracks 1-6) has begun to cover Tracks 7, 8, 9 & 10. The contractor will continue to place concrete on the new steel structure above the tracks as the structure is completed.    In the Tower Work Zone, the contractor is continuing with pre-excavation operations to support installation of the tower deep foundation elements, which will begin in October. This work will be entirely behind the construction barriers, but customers may hear work and experience vibrations from it.    In the next few weeks, a second crane will be set up to assist with the construction of the steel structure and the expansion of the bus terminal. This crane will be located between the station and the Post Office (adjacent to Track 13). Once it is operational, Track 13 will continue to operate normally during the day, but will be closed between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The overhead canopy, located between Tracks 12 and 13 will be removed in October. This work will occur at night. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.   The common platform has expanded around the work zone, providing direct access to all tracks. Passengers can use the new bifold doors near Tracks 1 and 2 to access the outdoor concourse and platforms. The other sets of doors are now closed. The contractor has also completed the infill of Tracks 1 and 2, further expanding the platform. Activity in Atlantic Avenue Area A crane, located in the Atlantic Avenue Work Zone, is currently erecting the steel structure for the new bus terminal expansion and parking garage overbuild.   The lane on Atlantic Avenue formerly available for parking will continue to be used for pedestrian access around the work zone while steel erection work continues.   Commuters traveling between the South Station concourse and the South Station bus terminal are encouraged to use the Platform A walkway to bypass the expanded Atlantic Avenue Work Zone. Activity in Summer Street Plaza Area Work in this area is taking place behind construction barriers. This area serves as the main construction access for the Tower Work Zone. A uniformed police officer is stationed in the area when the gate is in use. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.  For more information: Visit the project website, www.southstationairrights.com If you have questions, please email the project team: team@southstationairrights.com  Project hotline (for complaints, emergencies, and general inquiries): 617-445-3500 The schedule for this infrastructure project is weather dependent and subject to change without notice. Please encourage your friends, colleagues, and neighbors who may be interested in this project to sign up for email alerts as well. Visit www.southstationairrights.com for more information.

South Station Air Rights · 51 Franklin St Ste 400 · Boston, MA 02110-1335 · USA

MMA: "MassDOT releases new Chapter 90 informational resources"

"The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has updated its Chapter 90 program web portal and released several informational resources related to the program for municipalities.

A new Municipal Guidance Document reviews eligible expenses under the program and details project planning and implementation processes that are considered best practices. "

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/massdot-releases-new-chapter-90-informational-resources/ 

MA DOT Chapter 90 portal ->  https://www.mass.gov/chapter-90-program

Chapter 90 -program guide ->  https://www.mass.gov/doc/program-guidance/download

MA DOT Chapter 90 portal

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

"Trail Closure Alert!

The trail between Spring St (Franklin) and Lake St (Bellingham) will be closed on Thursday (and possibly Friday) for drainage repair at the tunnel. No thru traffic. 

Please plan accordingly. Thank you!

#SNETT #railtrail #FBRTC #FranklinMA #BellinghamMA"

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/185258844899495/posts/4128023973956276/

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

Open house - Grove Street Water Treatment Plant - June 12

"A public open house for the new Grove Street Water Treatment Plant and Wells 3&6 reconstruction will be on Saturday, June 12th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  

The site and parking is located at the SNETT Trail Parking lot (235 Grove Street).  

All are welcome to tour the Town's new Water Treatment Plant, ask questions, and learn about the water system in Town."

Shared from Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/4205619649522473/

Open house - Grove Street Water Treatment Plant - June 12

Franklin DPW - 2021 Construction Project Updates

Construction Project Update

The Mackintosh Neighborhood Waterline project will be starting next week.  The Town contractor, CJP & Sons, will be starting on Pine Ridge Drive at the end of Sherman Ave and will then continue into the neighborhood from there.  This project will continue into the summer.  A list of project contacts can be found here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kGlc_16pxpRuOY4z3FCEWeAm03gqwLv7/view?usp=sharing). 

You can also find an interactive map on the DPW website outlining current construction projects. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/241b546cfac6423585978bf5889d23e8)

Franklin DPW - 2021  Construction Project Updates

 

 

Boston Globe: Gov Baker "signs economic and housing package, but vetoes some tenant protections"

"Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a nearly $627 million economic development bill, but rejected a handful of measures in the sprawling package, including two designed to further protect tenants.

Baker’s signature will put in motion hundreds of millions of state borrowing over the next five years, which officials say will help jumpstart a state economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package includes more than $100 million in bonding authority to help small businesses, 15 percent caps on third-party delivery fees imposed by the likes of Grubhub and DoorDash, and legislation Baker has pushed for years to ease housing-related zoning changes.

The language, known as Housing Choice, will reduce the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority needed to pass a range of land-use issues in cities and towns. Baker has said the change will help spur much needed housing throughout the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/baker-signs-economic-housing-package-vetoes-some-tenant-protections/

Direct link to the Legislation  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

CommonWealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/baker-signs-626-million-economic-development-bill/

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances

 January 20, 2021 - 7:10 PM

Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, Dena Drive, Skyline Drive, Charles Drive, Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive

 

"Pursuant to Chapter 163 of the Legislative Acts of 2011, the Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021 at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA to determine if it is in the public interest to accept the following named roads as public ways:

Crystal Drive;Woodhaven Drive; Dena Drive; Skyline Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 16+88.81, as shown on street acceptance plan;

Charles Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 12+26.96, as shown on street acceptance plan; Baron Road, from Station 0+00 to Station 28+05.14, as shown on street acceptance plan; Cobblestone Drive; Woodstock Circle"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/legal_notice_-_street_acceptances_crysal_woodhaven_dena_skyline_charles_baron_cobblestone_woodstock.pdf

 

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 13, 2021

6:30 PM 

Agenda:

1. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Sector Specific Relief Grant Program Update.
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

2. Business Listening & Networking Session #5: Real Estate, Construction, & Housing.
The members of the EDC will host the third in a series of five Business Listening & Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Agenda doc with connection info: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-1-13_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf

Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

I-90 Exit Number Conversion Advisory

Dear Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

This notice is to inform you that exit numbering conversion will begin on Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

•       Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
•       Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
•       Approximate start date: Dec. 13
•       Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
•       Hours of operation: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway.

For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

 

 

From the Franklin Matters archives  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/goodbye-exit-16-ext-17-hello-exit-41.html

Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

Commuter Rail notice: South Station Summer St Plaza closing

The Plaza area next to Summer Street will be closing on Monday, August 24 for the implementation of a work zone as part of the South Station Transportation Center Improvement. Please use the ramp and stairs to access South Station and the train platforms.

Affected routes:

• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

For more information: https://www.MBTA.com/Southstation

Last Updated: Aug 11 2020 02:17 PM

Commuter Rail notice: South Station Summer St Plaza closing

Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk

"The Town of Norfolk will begin roadwork on Main Street (beginning at the Franklin town line), which will impact traffic for Franklin. This work is projected to begin Monday, August 10th. Please see the attached map for detour information."

Franklin Residents: Road construction alert for work on 140/Main St in Norfolk

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1287827718621614081?s=09

In the News: MassDOT webinar released on i495/i90 interchange project

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Plans for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange eliminate weaving movements that have caused the junction to be susceptible to crashes and congestion for years. 

State transportation leaders and project officials posted a webinar Thursday outlining the 25% design details of the project, which includes seven new direct and semi-direct ramps connecting the two interstates. The designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver will make getting off the highway and merging much safer, project officials said. 

“The reason for the project is that the I-90/495 interchange is identified as a high-crash and high-congestion location,” Ryan McNeill, a state Department of Transportation project manager, said during the webinar. “The enhancements that are discussed in this presentation will improve the safety and operational efficiency at the system interchange and address chronically deficient traffic conditions for the movement of people and goods within the project area.” 

New ramps will be widened to include shoulders and will have designated speeds of 45 mph, 10 mph faster than the existing ramps. The radius of the ramps will not be as tight. Tractor-trailers currently are required to go very slow entering Interstate 495 southbound due to the tight radius of the off-ramp."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/i-90495-reconstruction-aims-to-ease-traffic-reduce-bottlenecks-crashes

Additional info and to provide comments during this period
https://www.mass.gov/event/hopkintonwestborough-design-public-hearing-webinar-and-comment-period-2020-07-09t000000-0400


YouTube link = https://youtu.be/xJN9_LHpzi8

Phase 2 of the Franklin Double Track project making progress

"Teams continue to make progress on Phase 2 of the Franklin Double Track project. Phase 1 was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. 

When all three phases are complete, the entire line will be double-tracked - continuing improvements to performance."

For additional project information and status visit  https://mbta.com/projects/franklin-line-double-track

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KeolisBoston/status/1281209931857887232?s=09

Town Council is scheduled to vote on an increase in Franklin's water rate

From The Guardian, coincidentally a study on water rates in the US. The Town Council is scheduled to vote on an increase in Franklin's water rate Wednesday night, June 24.

"Millions of ordinary Americans are facing rising and unaffordable bills for running water, and risk being disconnected or losing their homes if they cannot pay, a landmark Guardian investigation has found.

Exclusive analysis of 12 US cities shows the combined price of water and sewage increased by an average of 80% between 2010 and 2018, with more than two-fifths of residents in some cities living in neighbourhoods with unaffordable bills.

In the first nationwide research of its kind, our findings reveal the painful impact of America’s expanding water poverty crisis as aging infrastructure, environmental clean-ups, changing demographics and the climate emergency fuel exponential price hikes in almost every corner of the US."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/23/millions-of-americans-cant-afford-water-bills-rise



5d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf

Get a copy of the Legislation for action here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFE0DFHlQre7pU-_xUyefUGqmf-38Qps/view?usp=sharing

construction underway on Grove St to replace the pump station for wells 3-6

Franklin Residents: Beech St construction June 25

Good morning Franklin,

DPW will be working with a contractor to install a pipe across Beech St this Thursday, June 25. The work will be near the brook crossing, close to house number 33. Beech St will be closed to thru traffic and the work should only take one day. 

A detour will be set up directing traffic onto Pine St and Pond St. 

Thank you!

Franklin Residents: Beech St construction June 25

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In the wake of widespread pushback against earlier proposals, state transportation officials floated a new design Monday for a landmark Allston infrastructure project that they will consider alongside two other options as a key deadline approaches.

The more than $1 billion Allston Multimodal Project may represent the most significant highway work in Massachusetts in a generation, but planning for up to a decade of construction, accomplishing goals for four different modes of travel, and minimizing impacts on the hundreds of thousands of daily commuters that pass through the narrow stretch of land connecting Boston to the west has been fraught with difficult choices.

Deliberations have been underway for years about how best to balance the project’s goals of replacing the structurally deficient viaduct carrying the Turnpike, straightening a curved section of the road, allowing for construction of a commuter rail West Station and freeing space for pedestrians and neighborhoods.

Because the 12 lanes of crowded roadway, commuter rail tracks and walking paths are crammed into only 204 feet of space between Boston University and the river, construction will impose major disruptions on some if not all of the modes of travel through the area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200622/new-design-floated-for-allston-highwaytransit-megaproject

Mass DOT materials for the Allston Multimodal Project
https://www.mass.gov/lists/allston-multimodal-project-2020-meeting-materials

Fact sheet for June 22 meeting
https://www.mass.gov/doc/allston-multimodal-project-fact-sheet/download

In the News: "New design floated for Allston highway/transit megaproject"

"The MMA has long advocated for an increase in Chapter 90 funding"

While Chapter 70 is State funding for schools, Chapter 90 is State funding for roads. Franklin depends heavily upon both sources. So this from the MA Municipal Association (MMA) is an important bit of news:

"The Senate yesterday passed a bill that would allocate $300 million to the Chapter 90 local road and bridge program, a 50% increase over what has been available to cities and towns in recent years.

The vote took place in the Senate’s first formal session since its members agreed earlier this week to new rules for remote debate and roll call voting.

The House and Senate are now both on record in support of the $300 million funding level for the reimbursement program – a top MMA priority.

The House had increased funding for Chapter 90 in the $18 billion transportation bond bill it passed in early March, before the COVID-19 state of emergency. Following a months-long interruption in legislative business, the Senate chose to pass a separate Chapter 90 bill for fiscal 2021 in order to avoid further delays in getting notifications to cities and towns so they can plan projects.

The House and Senate must now work out their differences before passing a bill that includes Chapter 90 funding."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/senate-approves-300-million-in-chapter-90-funding/

Lincoln St construction project was part of the road maintenance plan

Fletcher Field basketball/street hockey courts under construction

"New basketball/street hockey courts at Fletcher Field are coming along nicely. Concrete is curing and within 2 weeks, we'll have it painted and hoops hung. Hockey boards should be installed in July."

https://t.co/dg2fltWr8f

New basketball/street hockey courts at Fletcher Field

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinRec/status/1263123113077878784?s=03

telephoto view from the Wachusett St side of Fletcher Field

In the News: Eversource plan unnecessary; Polar Park construction resumes

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Citing a lack of evidence and need, an independent consultant hired by the Select Board has concluded that Eversource’s plan to replace a 3.7-mile natural gas line that runs through Hopkinton and Ashland is severely flawed.

Eversource is looking to decommission about 4 miles of underground piping that runs through Ashland and Hopkinton and place new 12-inch pipes alongside them.

In Ashland, the gas pipeline runs for 2.5 miles and intersects through more than 80 residential parcels, the Chestnut Tree Apartments and a number of environmentally sensitive areas, including portions of the wetlands and the conservation-restricted Great Bend Farm Trust. The company says the project is needed to address pressure drop problems and provide a more reliable and consistent flow of natural gas to customers in Greater Framingham.

In June 2018, Eversource filed an application with the state’s Energy Facility Siting Board, an agency that reviews large scale energy projects. In its application, the company also included preliminary information about an alternative under-street route should the Siting Board deny its request to place the new pipes on the existing easement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200511/ashland-consultant-says-eversource-pipeline-project-is-unnecessary

"City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. has given the OK for work to resume this week on some construction projects here, Polar Park being one of them. What happens next, what does the resumption of work mean for the immediate and longer range future?

That’s a different story.

In a prepared statement, Worcester Red Sox chairman Larry Lucchino said this:

“While we look forward to resuming the construction of Worcester’s new ballpark, we recognize that precautions, health, and safety remain paramount. We will support our local construction workers, and we will abide by the conditions set forth by our leaders to ensure an environment that complies with their public policy and expert medical recommendations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200511/polar-park-construction-set-to-resume-but-impact-of-six-week-delay-remains-uncertain

In the News: "MBTA repair plans are delayed as a result of pandemic"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Nearly two dozen MBTA projects, including high-profile components of a plan to speed repairs during more frequent system shutdowns, will be delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While senior public transit officials say they are still exploring ways to accelerate work while ridership is at historically low levels, postponements on a significant chunk of projects range between one and three months, officials told the News Service.

Maintenance work on the Green Line’s tracks, Red Line infrastructure and stations on the Orange and Blue Lines will be delayed. The projects are all pillars of a 2020 accelerated maintenance plan. Work schedules are also being pushed back on 17 other projects that do not fall under that umbrella.

The ongoing public health emergency prompted the shifting timelines. The MBTA’s capital delivery office cited supply chain disruptions, staff and contractor availability shortages, and efforts to shift support resources from maintenance to running bus and train service for essential workers on the front lines of the crisis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200509/mbta-repair-plans-are-delayed-as-result-of-pandemic

shuttle bus in place today (Mother's Day) between Franklin/Dean and Forge Park