Opportunity
As its name implies, the Central Artery highway system that runs through the densely populated neighborhoods of central Boston is critical to commerce and tourism in this historic city. Ongoing inspection is essential to maintaining the system properly and preventing hazards.
Solution
On behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Mott MacDonald leads an ongoing project to inspect more than 200 bridges in the system, as well as about 200 tunnels.
Inspections are conducted in accordance with the Federal Highway
Administration’s National Bridge Inspection Standards. Mott MacDonald conducts detailed hands-on inspection of bridge structures using bucket trucks during night-time lane closures. Confined space entry is sometimes required to inspect the inside of steel box beams.
Outcome
Mott MacDonald identifies and reports all areas that pose a potential safety hazard to travelers. Severe hazards are reported immediately during the field inspection. Inspections identify any deficiencies of the structural elements so that necessary repairs and maintenance can be prioritized and completed.