Route 18 Widening and Reconstruction Project Abington Weymouth Project File No Responses to Inquiries

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1 Route 18 Widening and Reconstruction Project Abington Weymouth Project File No Responses to Inquiries 1. What is the amount of footage being taken from our property [505 Pond Street]? 2080 SF +/-, exclusive of temporary easements that the contractor will be provided in order to construct the project. Please be aware that this is a preliminary number and may change as the project advances through final design. 2. With the additional frontage being taken, we are worried about the impact of the traffic and the effect it will have on our structure, i.e., building and roof cracking. Has this been taken into account? Yes, although there is no Federal requirements directed specifically to highway induced vibration. The new pavement will be smooth with a well compacted base. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), studies completed by highway agencies to assess impact of operational traffic induced vibrations have shown that both measured and predicted vibration levels are less than any known criteria for structural damage to buildings. (Ref. FHWA-HEP , Appendix G, December 2011) 3. During construction will our customers have access to our parking lot? The last widening resulted in loss of business for us as there was a detour away from our location sending customers North on Route 18. Customers will have access to your store during construction. MassDOT will have a Resident Engineer on site to discuss the work and coordination with your business traffic. MassDOT will provide this contact information when construction begins. 4. We were also concerned about construction vehicles parking in our parking lot taking away from customer parking. Construction vehicles are not allowed to park on private property. The Contractor will have the right to enter your property to reconstruct the driveway, a portion of the parking lot, pedestrian access for your store along the frontage of your property, and for limited landscaping. 5. Recently we installed a free standing sign on our property which is 3 feet from our property line (per Weymouth rules). Will this sign be affected by the widening? The sign will be impacted by construction. MassDOT Right of Way Bureau will contact you regarding cost damages that you are entitled to receive for the impact to your sign. 6. Will you be responsible for re-asphalting, drainage and landscaping after construction is complete? 1

2 During construction MassDOT will reconstruct the portion of the parking lot and driveway impacted by the project, reconstruct pedestrian access for your store along the property frontage, and place loam and seed. MassDOT will not install new drainage on the property. 7. We also own the single family dwelling at 1537 Main Street S. Weymouth (directly next to our store). How much frontage do you anticipate being taken from this property? 1170 SF +/-, exclusive of temporary easements that the contractor will be provided in order to construct the project. Please be aware that this is a preliminary number and may change as the project advances through final design. 8. The first several years of the Big Dig were all about utility relocation. I think anyone who drives Route 18 however was a bit mystified during the intersection reconstruction a few years back when the last thing done was relocation of the utility poles. a. Are there plans to engage the respective wire utilities to move their equipment proactively? MassDOT s utility coordination and accommodation policy has changed since the intersection projects were completed. MassDOT representatives, the project designers, and the utility companies are now required to walk the entire project and establish utility reset locations during the design phase. This work was completed on Route 18 in October In addition, MassDOT now acquires easement access for the relocated utility poles, anchors, guys and overhead wire routes. Previously, the utility companies were required to obtain these rights, which often introduced significant delay in a project. The new policies are intended to avoid delays associated with utility relocations. b. Are there plans to engage the town water/sewer departments so that any work they may need done in the next ten years, gets done prior to construction? To date, the water department has provided specification requirements for the relocation of all service valves to the reconstructed sidewalks. In addition, a new water main will extend over the new bridge. MassDOT will continue to coordinate the design with any work that the Town of Abington may plan to conduct up until project construction commences. 9. The press release I read indicated that in addition to four lanes, there would be a five foot shoulder on each side as well. Is there any thought being given to eliminating those shoulders in some sections to allow for a center left turn lane? The shoulders are required for bicycle accommodation, are federally mandated, and cannot be eliminated. The addition of a center left turn lane would result in significantly greater right of way impacts. 10. Easily 80% of the route is commercial in nature and the road is jam-packed from 6am to 8pm, seven days a week. How will night work be deployed to minimize delays on the DOT s customers? 2

3 Two travel lanes will be maintained at all times. The project work will be staged to take advantage of completed pavement widening to reduce travel disruption. Work hour restrictions will be established during final design. The Contractor may be allowed to conduct work at night when the request is specific and when authorized by MassDOT. 11. Trotter Road is intended to become the main entrance into the Southfield complex. Today the traffic light there does not talk with the traffic light at 58/Pond Street so it s not uncommon for traffic to still be jammed 10 minutes after a train departs in the evening. Traffic traveling the main line of 18 makes one traffic light and then stops at the next one a few car lengths away, gridlocking the whole intersection. Are there plans to revise these two extremely close intersections? The signalized intersections will be designed for coordinated operation to move vehicles with as little delay as possible. 12. Is there any sense of how work will progress? North to south? South to north? The MassDOT construction contractor will be required to meet project milestones to complete work by certain dates, within contract restrictions that will be established in coordination with the towns. Within this contract structure the contractor will be given some latitude in the conduct of his work. Contract work restrictions have not yet been established, but it is anticipated that work will be conducted east to west or west to east, prioritizing the clearing and widening of the sides of Route 18 where utility poles must be relocated out of the way. The work to replace the Route 18 bridge over the railroad will also commence immediately on Notice to Proceed. 13. Will the emergency traffic lights outside the Abington Fire Station be updated/replaced? Yes. 14. How will MassDOT coordinate traffic impacts between construction of the Fore River Bridge Project and the Route 18 Project? The Fore River Bridge Project is currently under construction and will be complete prior to the start of construction of the Route 18 Project, estimated to commence in How is the temporary bridge supposed to be constructed? The temporary bridge will consist of two structure types. The contractor will be allowed to propose an alternative to this design, and if his alternative it is advantageous to the Commonwealth, it will be accepted. The project plans will suggest that the main portion of the bridge be comprised of temporary modular panelized components, with an asphalt driving surface. At the ends of the bridge, modular panelized bridge components will not work and steel stringers supporting a precast concrete deck will be suggested. The temporary bridge will be supported by deep foundations, most likely driven piles. 3

4 16. How long will the temporary bridge be there? The bridge is estimated to be needed in operation for approximately two years. 17. Has MassDOT accounted for noise in the area of the bridge? A noise study was completed by the noise specialist firm, HMMH, as part of the state and federal environmental analyses for the project. Both state and federal environmental clearances for the project to proceed have been received by MassDOT. Barbara Lane, Thomas Road, and the Clarendon Street neighborhoods were included in the noise study. Noise impacts to these homes were analyzed and the 67 decibel impact criteria were not met. The conclusion is that based on federal requirements a noise wall is not warranted in the area of the proposed Route 18 bridge replacement. 18. Does the MassDOT project address the drainage issues at the ends of Thomas and Clarendon? The project does not include deposition of additional fill or embankment material beyond the bottom of the existing Route 18 embankment on the approaches to the bridge that could impact existing drainage patterns on the ground at the end of Thomas Street. In fact, existing embankment is being removed because the proposed 4- span bridge will be replacing the existing single span bridge. Where the additional bridge spans are proposed, the existing embankment will be removed. Where the roadway approaches to the bridge are wider than the existing roadway, retaining walls are proposed, which will be located within the footprint of the existing embankment slopes. The existing municipal drainage system at the end of Barbara Lane continues into Route 18. Because this is an existing public drainage system that extends into Route 18, the project includes improved conveyance of this drainage, beginning from the catch basins at the end of Barbara Lane through new, larger drain pipes to a proposed detention basin on the easterly side of Route 18. The project does not address existing deficiencies with the Thomas Road or Clarendon Street drainage structures. From GIS mapping and on-site observations, it appears that the drainage from Thomas Road and Clarendon Street discharges to the west side of the MBTA trackinto an existing marsh south of the railroad embankment. The marsh is a MADEP regulated wetland. Twin 30 culverts passing under the railroad embankment north of the project site provide discharge from this marsh, evidently only when the water rises to a certain elevation. 19. It is hoped that MassDOT will have an on-site contact. MassDOT will have a full time resident engineer on the project site during construction. The location of the resident engineer office, the resident engineer s name and contact information will not be established until the project goes to construction. 20. The residents want an updated website and someone who can be contacted by phone. 4

5 MassDOT has a project website, listed on the handout, that will be periodically updated. The MassDOT contact person is Donnie Daley, who can be contacted at (617) Does the wetland square footage of impact include what is being impacted under the temporary bridge? Yes. After the temporary bridge is removed any disturbance to the existing surface will be re-graded to match pre-construction existing surface contours and the ground will be replanted. 22. How do you plan on mitigating the current condition? The project will mitigate impacts that the project creates. The project will impact wetlands and it will impact the existing drainage system downstream of the Barbara Lane drainage structures. Offsite wetland replication and on-site wetland restoration is proposed to mitigate wetland impacts. New drain pipe and downstream drainage detention is proposed to address project impacts to the drainage system. 23. Are all uncertified vernal pools identified? Uncertified vernal pools may be located within the Southfield Development (former SWNAS), based on statements made by the conservation agent. The project is not located in close proximity to uncertified vernal pools. 24. Hours of construction? At this time, it is anticipated that the construction contract will establish contractor hour hours from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with no work on weekends or holidays, or the day before a holiday. Contractor work hours may vary from those that are proposed in the construction contract if the contractor requests a change and if the change is deemed in favor of the Commonwealth. Contractor changes in work hours may provide a cost savings, or it may be necessary to move equipment during low traffic hours other than the hours listed, or some other condition that cannot be predicted. In addition, limitations may be imposed by the railroad that dictate other contractor work hours for certain tasks. 25. Residents are concerned off of Derby where water is going to be, as well as other streets. The existing drainage system in the vicinity of Derby Street includes a drain pipe from Route 18 that runs under the existing bowling alley and discharges to a wet area south of the Derby Street pavement edge. The existing pipe under the bowling alley will be disconnected and a new drain pipe that carries Route 18 drainage will be placed in Derby Street. This new drain pipe will discharge to a proposed detention basin that will be located east of the low wet area, at a higher elevation. New catch basins to intercept Route 18 drainage are proposed in the low spots at intersections. The Town of Weymouth must address local drainage problems that already exist in Derby Street. 5

6 The project will continue to coordinate with the conservation commissions and town departments in each town regarding drainage design as it develops. 26. Are you going to preload the soil at the temporary bridge? No preloading of the soil is required. 27. Is it [temporary Route 18 route] going to displace wetlands? Temporary impacts to wetlands will occur in places where the temporary Route 18 roadway alignment will be constructed. These impacts will be mitigated after removal of the temporary Route 18 roadway by restoring wetland soil and replanting. These areas will be bridged with a temporary structure. Where the temporary Route 18 roadway diverges away from the existing Route 18 roadway, temporary fill will be placed, but these locations are not in low areas. Immediately after the temporary bridge is constructed and traffic is shifted to it, the existing bridge and existing embankment will be removed. At the time that the temporary roadway is constructed, the proposed drainage system connection from the end of Barbara Lane to the east side of Route 18 will be constructed in stages. 28. What do you plan to do to monitor and mitigate the impact as it goes along [related to existing and potential flooding]. MassDOT s resident engineer will be assigned full time to the Route 18 project. The resident engineer will monitor the project on a daily basis and will be available to residents on a daily basis if problems arise. The project includes replacing the existing 12 drain pipe that extends from the end of Barbara Lane into Route 18 with a new 24 drain pipe because the existing pipe is undersized. This drain pipe replacement and enhancement may mitigate existing and potential flooding. 29. What type of surface does the temporary bridge have? An asphalt wearing surface is proposed. 30. Could you have a construction phasing plan as far as access available, even if it is preliminary, so that residents could see it and I can see exactly how you intend to get and out of that section of road? A preliminary plan showing suggested contractor access at the bridge work site is available at the Public Hearing. 31. Is there a large concrete proposed sound barrier in that area [of Front Street]? A sound barrier between Route 18 and Front Street was the only location in the project that met Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) criteria. MassDOT is required by FHWA to propose construction of this noise barrier, subject to study area property owner approval. If the property owners at that location vote to not have the wall constructed, it will not be constructed. Follow-up meetings with affected property owners will be held subsequent to the Public Hearing. 6

7 32. How about the height [of the noise barrier]? The height of the wall is approximately 14 feet. 33. Could you have a number of samples [of the wall materials] prepared? Additional details will be made available as the process proceeds. 34. What are your intentions to alleviate some of that cut-through traffic [on Pond Street and Route 58 during construction]? According to traffic modeling that was completed for the state and federal environmental approvals for the project, people cut through on those streets today to avoid delay and congestion on Route 18. It is unlikely that behavior will change during construction. MassDOT will conduct the construction of the project to minimize additional delays to the extent that it can so that cut through traffic will not increase. Measures to minimize delays include budgeting for and assigning police details to monitor and move traffic as needed, maintaining one travel lane in each direction, potential contract limitations on certain work during the morning and afternoon peak travel periods. MassDOT will work with both towns to develop the construction contract and conduct the work to minimize disruption to traffic. Cut through traffic is projected to decrease after the project is completed. 35. Concerned about delay to the project because of utility pole relocations. MassDOT has adopted a new policy to initiate coordination directly with the utility companies with on-site consultations during preliminary design to establish pole reset locations. That task has been completed on this project. In addition, the Commonwealth will now reimburse 50% of the utility companies relocation costs as an incentive for them to be responsive to the project schedule. And finally, the Commonwealth now secures the right of way for the pole relocations, which was not done in the past and which resulted in significant delays. MassDOT has taken this proactive approach in recognition that delays due to utility companies that have occurred on past projects are not acceptable on projects going forward. 36. The town will be adopting design guidelines for landscaping and architectural standards and want to be sure the project coordinates with the town on this. The project will coordinate with the town regarding restoration where public land is available to do so. 37. Concerned about the Route 139/Route 18 intersection, specifically, there is no protected left turn movement from Route 139 to Route 18. This issue was the subject of a MassDOT-sponsored Safety Audit that was conducted in coordination with the Town of Abington in The Final Report dated July 2011 was made available electronically to the following individuals at the Town of Abington: John M. Nuttall; Kenan Connell; Jack Cane. The report is also available at: 7

8 139_ pdf MassDOT evaluated the alteration of the traffic signal system to include protected left turn phases for east-west traffic on Route 139 turning left on to Route 18, and this change is now included in the project. 38. Why is everything west of Route 18, not east (at the bridge site)? A temporary route carrying Route 18 traffic east of the bridge site will significantly impact an existing business south of the bridge to an extent that will require the Commonwealth to acquire the entire property. A temporary route west of the bridge site does not require the Commonwealth to acquire any property in total. The west route is proposed on that basis. 39. They have red things on trees, blue things I am assuming they would bring their construction vehicles in here. The red and blue flagging was recently placed by our wetland scientist to identify wetland limits and trees so that they can be surveyed and represented properly on the project plans. The trees are being surveyed so they can be counted and sized. If trees are removed, we need to know how big and how many so that the owner can be properly compensated. If the trees are remaining, we need to know the same information so that replacement trees can be properly placed so as not to interfere with the trees to remain. The flagging has nothing to do with construction equipment or construction access. 40. We have been dealing with water problems in this neighborhood for years. The project does not include deposition of additional fill or embankment material beyond the bottom of the existing Route 18 embankment on the approaches to the bridge that could impact existing drainage patterns on the ground. In fact, existing embankment is being removed because the proposed 4-span bridge will be replacing the existing single span bridge. Where the additional bridge spans are proposed, the existing embankment will be removed. Where the roadway approaches to the bridge are wider than the existing roadway, retaining walls are proposed, which will be located within the footprint of the existing embankment slopes. The existing municipal drainage system at the end of Barbara Lane continues into Route 18. Because this is an existing public drainage system, the project includes conveyance of this drainage, beginning from the catch basins at the end of Barbara Lane through new, larger drain pipes to a proposed detention basin on the easterly side of Route 18. The project does not address existing drainage deficiencies on Thomas Road or Clarendon Street. Those issues will need to be addressed by the Town of Weymouth. 41. Can you not have a surface road going across the railroad tracks? 8

9 MassDOT conducted an evaluation of an at-grade temporary Route 18 crossing of the railroad track, both east and west of the existing bridge site. Some of the consequences of such a design are: Sight distance at the railroad crossing is inadequate. A train-actuated gatecontrolled signalized crossing is required. Pedestrian accommodation is required. A train-actuated gate-controlled signalized pedestrian crossing is required. Damage to gates may occur, introducing the possibility that Route 18 traffic may inadvertently proceed through the crossing when they should not. At-grade highway/railroad crossings increase the likelyhood that train/vehicle, train/pedestrian/ or vehicle/pedestrian accidents will occur in comparison to a grade-separated crossing. Physical accommodation of signalized gated system equipment will likely require positioning the temporary Route 18 alignment further to the west/east, away from Route 18, than a non-gated crossing. Pedestrians are being brought to track level, creating a safety exposure condition and liability that pedestrians will trespass along the track right of way that does not exist with a grade-separated roadway. The at-grade crossing introduces additional traffic delay on Route 18 when trains activate the gates that will be avoided with a grade-separation. Night time illumination of the crossing will be installed, impacting illumination levels nearby. All trains approaching the crossing will be required to sound their horn alarm regardless of time of day or night. The track owner must agree to accept a temporary at-grade crossing. Issues unique to the westerly alignment: The existing municipal drainage problem in the neighborhood of Thomas Street and Clarendon Street will be exacerbated by construction of a temporary roadway embankment that fills the existing low ground. Temporary wetland impacts will increase. Issues unique to the easterly alignment: The alignment impacts the Katmandu Restaurant parking lot, with loss of parking spaces. The temporary Route 18 at-grade alignment adversely impacts the existing railroad drainage system. Impacts to Endangered Species Habitat increase. Temporary wetland impacts increase. On the basis of this evaluation, at-grade construction of a temporary Route 18 roadway will not be pursued. 9

10 42. Was impact to the existing sewer line that is located where the temporary bridge is going considered? The temporary bridge alignment does not run over the sewer. There are no project impacts on the sewer. 43. When will the project construction begin? Construction is expected to begin in approximately two years, but the right of way process may extend that. 44. What will be done about traffic disruption during construction? Two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, will be maintained. Because this is a widening project, the plan is to construct the widened parts first, move traffic over to the new constructed locations, then reconstruct the middle portion. Several shifts of this type should be expected. 45. Concerned about property values and how the project will look. Coordination will continue to be conducted with each town during design to include as much landscaping and aesthetic improvements as possible. Impacts at each property will be discussed personally between each property owner and MassDOT s right of way representatives. Each property owner will be compensated for losses in landscaping and other aesthetic features so that these can be replaced by the owners if they choose. MassDOT will have a resident engineer and inspectors on site to assure that a quality project is constructed. 46. You really need a lot of traffic lights on every intersection. No new traffic lights are proposed other than at the East-West Parkway intersection, when that is constructed. The Pond Street/Route 58 intersection will be reconstructed, but it is already signalized. Several of the completed signalized intersections will be slightly modified to optimize signal timing and phasing. 47. The on-ramp to Route 3 is already backed up at 7 o clock in the morning. Where is the improved traffic going to go? Route 3 does back up, but nearby projects have been completed recently, are underway, or will be underway soon to relieve congestion on main roads not far beyond Route 18. The I-95 Add-A-Lane projects provide additional capacity. The interchange at Route 3/Burgin Parkway was rebuilt a few years ago to relieve congestion and backups at that location. The Route 18 project will relieve congestion locally and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 48. You are going to put a barrier in front of my gas station [1465 Main Street]. What do I do? 10

11 The project accommodates a future intersection with the proposed East-West Parkway. For the time period between the completion of the current project and completion of the East-West Parkway, the median in Route 18 will be similar to the existing condition. Access to your business will not change during this period. 49. We don t know how much land they are going to take. What are we going to do with our pumps? Impacts to your property will be discussed between you and MassDOT s Right of Way representatives and compensation for damages will be awarded based on the impacts. 50. How are you getting rid of the water [in the vicinity of Clarendon Street]? The project includes replacing the existing 12 drain pipe that begins from the end of Barbara Lane and continues into Route 18 with a proposed new 24 drain pipe. The existing 12 pipe is undersized and may have contributed to prior flooding in the area. The construction contract will include a provision requiring the contractor to install the upsized replacement pipe as early as possible after notice to proceed, but it will need to be installed in stages in coordination with the construction of the proposed downstream detention basin. No new fill will be placed in low areas or beyond the footprint of the existing Route 18 embankment. The drainage from Clarendon Street discharges west of the railroad tracks approximately 130 feet away from the closest part of the project This existing drainage flows into an existing MADEP regulated wetland, and to 2-30 cross culverts that pass under the tracks. None of this system or drainage conveyance route is impacted by the Route 18 project. The project includes the removal of fill at the proposed bridge. 51. How many more feet over from where that bridge is right now will the temporary bridge or the new bridge be onto my property? The new bridge will be located within the footprint of the existing embankment slope because retaining walls are proposed on the approaches, and there will be no permanent encroachment on anyone s property. Temporary easements from adjacent properties will be required to accommodate the temporary bridge and there will be impacts, specifically the removal of trees, to construct it. 52. What is it going to be like when you start cutting trees down, if there is no noise wall? For the duration of construction Route 18 traffic will be diverted to the west of the existing Route 18 roadway and traffic noise will subsequently move to the west. The bridge site will also be the source of construction noise originating from trucks and heavy machinery. A noise study was completed by the noise specialist firm, HMMH, as part of the state and federal environmental analyses for the project. Both state and federal environmental clearances for the project to proceed have been received by MassDOT. Barbara Lane, Thomas Road, and the Clarendon Street neighborhoods were included in the noise study. Noise impacts to these homes were analyzed and the 6 decibel impact criteria were not met. The conclusion is that based on federal 11

12 requirements a noise wall is not warranted in the area of the proposed Route 18 bridge replacement. 53. My main concern is the water. We have three storm drains in that whole neighborhood and, like they said, one doesn t work. The project includes replacing the existing 12 drain pipe that begins from the end of Barbara Lane and continues into Route 18 with a proposed new 24 drain pipe. The existing 12 pipe is undersized and may have contributed to past flooding in the area. The layout and function of the catch basins on local streets is a municipal responsibility. 54. What does the blue [and red] ribbons mean? Does it mean the highway is going to be right there? The ribbons were placed by a wetland scientist to locate the limits of existing wetlands, as required by the Weymouth Conservation Commission and MADEP. The trees were also surveyed so that an accurate count of the trees and their sizes can be depicted on the project plans. The ribbons do not indicate the limit of the work or proposed location of Route Where will all this construction equipment be entering? Construction access will be made predominantly from Route 18. The MBTA may allow limited access to the northerly side of the bridge site on their maintenance road. 56. If the residents don t want that [the noise barrier], the money that is allocated for that wall there, couldn t that be put towards doing something at the bridge? The amount of money allocated for construction is based on the final accepted design. There is no credit for the noise barrier not being constructed. 57. What is the potentiality of a culvert going underneath to the west side of Route 18 into an overflow? A drainage analysis that accounts for the existing watershed at and upstream from Barbara Lane has been completed. The analysis revealed that the existing 12 drain pipe that runs from the end of the Barbara Lane drainage system into Route 18 is undersized. Because this is a public system and the project impacts the downstream section of it the project work includes replacing the 12 pipe with a new 24 pipe. The drainage will be conveyed into a proposed detention basin on the west side of Route There is an underground spring and it is on the south side of Thomas Road. The completed project, including the Route 18 widening, will be confined to the limits of the existing embankment slopes with the construction of retaining walls, so no direct impact to the springs is possible. However, the proposed increased drain pipe extending from the end of the existing Barbara Lane drainage system may result in less flooding impact in the neighborhood. 12

13 59. It looks like there is an easement there [at the animal hospital] that would give you access to that temporary bridge. The easement is for maintenance of the existing sewer line. MassDOT does not have the right to use the easement for a different purpose. 60. Is this powerpoint going to be online anywhere? It is available on the MassDOT website. The address is provided in the handout. 61. Are we going to have water shut off? Water shut off on Thomas Road is not anticipated. All service connections that are on Route 18 will need to be relocated out of the widened roadway to the back of proposed sidewalk. When this work is done, water service will be shut off. Shut off will not be allowed without notification and coordination with each property owner. 62. How long will the temporary bridge be there? The temporary bridge is estimated to be in place for a period of two years. 63. What is the speed limit of the job when it is done? MassDOT will conduct a speed study when the project is completed to set the regulated speed limits that will be posted. 64. On the five foot shoulder, is that going to be a bike lane? It will not be marked or signed as a bike lane. It is a shoulder that can accommodate bikes in accordance with required design criteria. 65. What is the elevation change on the bridge height? The new bridge will be approximately 3 feet higher than the existing bridge. 66. A temporary bridge and right of way along the abutting properties on the west side of RT 18 is totally wrong and would impact the neighborhood of 100 or more homes. A grade crossing on the east side of RT 18 would save construction time, money (no bridge), no construction easements, taking of private property and no interruption to MBCR service. MassDOT conducted an evaluation of an at-grade temporary Route 18 crossing of the railroad track, both east and west of the existing bridge site. Some of the consequences of such a design are: Sight distance at the railroad crossing is inadequate. A train-actuated gate-controlled signalized crossing is required. Pedestrian accommodation is required. A train-actuated gatecontrolled signalized pedestrian crossing is required. Damage to gates may occur, introducing the possibility that Route 18 traffic may inadvertently proceed through the crossing when they should not. 13

14 At-grade highway/railroad crossings introduce a statistical probability that train/vehicle, train/pedestrian/ or vehicle/pedestrian accidents will occur that does not exist with a grade-separation. Physical accommodation of signalized gated system equipment will likely require positioning the temporary Route 18 alignment further to the west/east, away from Route 18. Pedestrians are being brought to track level, creating a safety exposure condition and liability that pedestrians will trespass along the track right of way that does not exist with a grade-separated roadway. The at-grade crossing introduces additional delay on Route 18 that will be avoided with a grade-separation. Night time illumination of the crossing will be installed, impacting illumination levels nearby. All trains approaching the crossing will be required to sound their horn alarm. The alignment impacts the Katmandu Restaurant parking lot, with loss of parking spaces. The temporary Route 18 alignment impacts the existing railroad drainage system. Temporary impacts to wetlands increase. Impacts to Endangered Species Habitat increase. The track owner must agree to accept a temporary at-grade crossing. 67. Wetland and drainage improvements will be required because the drainage for this area west side of Route18 at the bridge goes under the MBCR tracks and RT 18 into the SWNAS. The project does not include deposition of additional fill or embankment material beyond the bottom of the existing Route 18 embankment on the approaches to the bridge that could impact existing drainage patterns on the ground. The drainage from Clarendon Street discharges west of the railroad tracks approximately 130 feet away from the closest part of the project and continues, or should continue, north along the side of the tracks, away from Route 18, to two-30 cross culverts that pass under the tracks. None of this system or drainage conveyance route is impacted by the Route 18 project. 68. The intersection of Pond St (RT 58) and RT 18 needs safety upgrades. Reconstruction of the Pond Street (Route 58)/Route 18 intersection is included in the project. Additional turn lanes are proposed. Traffic signal timing is optimized. Pedestrian accommodation is improved. Mark Levy Riverside Properties, Inc. 27 Mica Lane, Suite 201 Wellesley, MA RE: Derby Street, Weymouth 14

15 (Memo/letter dated October 31, 2012 received by MassDOT November 7, 2012) Dear Mr. Thomas Broderick, I am the Owner and Manager of Derby Street in Weymouth, a 44-unit apartment complex. I am writing you to convey our concern relating to storm water management as part o the reconstruction/widening of Route 18. Since I began managing Derby Street, there have been ongoing issues with water in our neighborhood (Derby Street between Route 18 and Pond Street in Weymouth). During heavy rain events, this stretch of Derby Street can become covered by more than two feet of water. The water that builds up in this neighborhood comes from sites within the neighborhood and from storm water line that brings water from Route 18, which terminates in a culvert across the street from our property (this water line regularly becomes charged and overflows the street). Since I purchased the property, I have constantly battled foods in the neighborhood during heavy rain events and have, as substantial expenditure, made improvements to our property to minimize the impact of any flooding in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts and improvements, the area continues to flood during heavy rains. I have talked to the town about recurring flooding, but apparently, there is not enough capacity in the surrounding wetland area to absorb the water. I am very concerned that the re-routing of drainage water resulting from the reconstruction/widening of Route 18 will not include a comprehensive storm water management plan for our neighborhood and that the flooding will only become worse once the work is completed. Can you please address my concern and let us know what will be done to manage the storm water created by the large impervious surface of Route 18 in order to prevent flooding in our neighborhood in the future> Thank you for your time and understanding, and we look forward to hearing from you. Mark Levy The existing Route 18 drainage system conveys storm water through a pipe that is located under the former bowling alley building and continues to the outlet that you refer to. The Route 18 drainage system is being redesigned and constructed new in the area through the Derby Street intersection. The existing pipe under the building will no longer be used and will be abandoned or removed. A new drain pipe from Route 18 will convey storm water under the Derby Street pavement and outlet to a new detention basin that will be located on the southerly side of Derby Street in a wooded area in a different location uphill from the existing outlet pipe. The new detention basin construction will involve excavation to create a depression for temporarily detaining storm water to an elevation lower than the existing street level. Runoff originating from existing Route 18 that may have contributed to flooding will be removed to 15

16 this new facility. However, Derby Street itself is a town-owned street and is not included in the Route 18 project. Mark Levy Riverside Properties, Inc. 27 Mica Lane, Suite 201 Wellesley, MA RE: 696 Main Street, Weymouth (Memo/letter dated October 31, 2012 received by MassDOT November 7, 2012) Dear Mr. Thomas Broderick, I am the owner of 696 Main Street in Weymouth. About two years ago the State widened Route 18 in front of my property. Since the work was done, each time there has been heavy rain, a large puddle forms across the junction of Route 18 and my property. This condition did not exist before the roadway construction. It creates a dangerous condition in that a lot of splashing occurs when cars turn off the road into the driveway. Additionally, the lawn, which was in great shape prior to construction, has never fully grown back and is no longer aesthetically appealing. The two tenants in the building, who have both been there for more than 15 years, are quite unhappy with the situation. Both tenants have complained to the town and state and have not had any satisfaction. We are now being told again that the road is being widened and our property will once again be disrupted. Can you please address my concern and let us know what will be done to manage the storm water created by the larger impervious surface of Route 18 in order to prevent flooding in front of my property in the future? Thank you for your time and understanding, and we look forward to hearing from you. Mark Levy, Owner Route 18 is not being widened along the frontage of your property. No additional storm water runoff will flow along the gutter line of Route 18 along the frontage of your property as a result of the construction of this project. The existing Route 18 gutter line along the frontage of your property has a depression at your driveway opening, but there is no existing storm drain structure. The project proposes to install a catch basin at this depression to collect and convey the stormwater away. In addition, the project proposes to reconstruct the driveway to provide a more defined gutter and capture the storm water before it flows down the driveway. 16

17 Where existing landscaped areas or lawn areas are disturbed by this proposed construction, the project will place 4 of loam and plant grass seed. Within the contract duration of project construction, the contractor will be responsible for the establishment of grass. Subsequent maintenance of the planted grass is the responsibility of the property owner. Re: 1471 Main St. Gentlemen, Our building was vacant for over 2 1/2 years. Finally in 2011 we were able to rent the building. One of the key renting points was the parking. We lost 4 parking spots 7-8 years ago int the route 18 widening and now to lose 4 additional spots would force our tenant out! During June thru Sept., the parking lot has an overflow due to the activity of purchasing school uniforms which our tenant sells. Is it fair and responable to inflick harm on some businesses to enhance others? In the last widening, we had 20 bushes and shrubs removed and the Aggregate Concrete Co. (GC) was to replant them. It never happened and they all died. The City of Weymouth wanted bushed and shrubs along a small planting barrier and we complied at our expense as it enhances the building. Now it seems that it is a loosing battle. Everything we have worked for is up for grabs. Look at all the area on the other side of the street. Why can't that be utilized? The impact would be far less. Last time, for the sake of progress, we went along with Aggregate Concrete and the MBTA. We received minimum payment, under $5,000 for the land grab. It forced our tenants to move due to parking problems and destroyed our bushed and shrubs. I remember telling the Supt. of Aggregate Concrete (Morrissey) that our bushed were dying. He told me "tough luck", nice people! This is the only property we own and we will contest this land grab as far as we can. Come up with a better idea so as not to put small businesses at a disadvantage. Make it in Massachusetts! YA. Most sincerely, Joseph Conti The Route 18 widening project will result in the permanent loss of two parking spaces on your property and the loss of the landscape planting along your frontage. The MassDOT Right of Way Bureau will contact you at a future time to discuss compensation for these impacts. 17