Dimensions - Annual Review 2012 - 5

Dewberry’s services for the Neponset
River Bridge in Massachusetts began in
1995, with inspections and load ratings.
The firm recently completed a two-phase
rehabilitation, enabling the commuter route
to reopen five months ahead of schedule.

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Norman Mineta stated when the new Woodrow
Wilson Bridge opened, “Our highways give
people the freedom to travel, the opportunity to
earn a living, and the chance to come together.
”
The I-95/I-495/Telegraph Road Interchange
project is a major component of the
comprehensive improvement program related
to the new Potomac River crossing.

Virginia. This complex initiative reconstructed and

$55-million rehabilitation was substantially completed in

reconfigured the interchange, widened I-495/the Capital

October 2012—five months ahead of schedule.

Beltway, and raised I-495 to increase vertical clearance for
the bridge over Telegraph Road.
The very last element of this 13-year phased

Part of the state’s Accelerated Bridge Program,
the project involved two phases of work to address
structural deficiencies while integrating a workable traffic

design and construction project is represented by the

management scheme. The multi-span bridge carries

largest single construction contract ever awarded by the

six lanes of traffic and two pedestrian sidewalks over

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), with 11

the Neponset River. The first phase involved complete

bridges, 22 retaining walls, and 2.5 miles of pavement

reconstruction of the substructure while the second phase

replacement and widening along I-95. Dewberry’s

addressed roadway deck reconstruction and pedestrian

comprehensive engineering services included creative

access improvements.

problem-solving that also addressed severe congestion

Dewberry provided engineering services for both

by reconfiguring interchange ramp connections and

phases, including the development of a comprehensive

street networks along Telegraph Road, Huntington

traffic management plan. The project also involved

Avenue, and Kings Highway—all heavily traveled

working with an evolving management structure, with the

commuter routes.

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

“For the first time, traffic flows freely,” noted one
long-time Alexandria resident and commuter after the
Telegraph Road bridges phase was complete. “Kudos for a
great design job.”

Months Ahead of Schedule

transitioning oversight to the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) following the first phase.
“I applaud the efforts of all those involved in
completing the reconstruction of the Neponset River
Bridge months ahead of schedule,” said State Senator Jack
Hart. “Additionally, this bridge with its newly widened

Rehabilitation of the circa-1970 Neponset River Bridge, a

sidewalks and enhanced lighting will now for the first time

major artery between Boston and Quincy, Massachusetts,

allow pedestrians and bicyclists a safe and convenient

also has commuters pleased. Construction of the

means to commute between Dorchester and Quincy.”
Spring 2013

5
Dimensions - Annual Review 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - Annual Review 2012
