Route 93 Median Crossover Test Friday, May 20

On Friday night, May 20th through early Saturday morning, May 21st, MassDOT will execute a second full test deployment of the median crossover operation on I-93 between Stoneham and Somerville to model the traffic management plan that will be used on weekends this summer to replace 14 bridges on I-93 in Medford.

The second test deployment is being conducted to monitor the effectiveness of several changes to the implementation plans based on an operational review of initial test deployment conducted on May 6th – May 7th and to ensure that the anticipated traffic impacts associated with the actual construction activities this summer are minimized.

Similar to the initial test, the deployment will bring the existing interstate highway from four-lanes in each direction to two-lanes in each direction, running in counter-flow operation on the southbound barrel of the highway.

The median crossover test will be fully coordinated with the Massachusetts State Police and the Fast 14 contractor.

I-93 directional traffic will be separated by a moveable “zipper lane” barrier throughout the 4.5 mile length of the crossover. One local access lane will be provided on the closed section of I-93 northbound to provide access to all of the ramps for Exits 31 through 33. The test deployment will also execute the procedures established by MassDOT for re-opening the interstate highway to full lane capacity by 5 AM Saturday, May 21st. Specific details on the test deployment follow below:

Route I-93 Southbound

– On Friday May 20th, I-93 SB will be restricted to two lanes south of Exit 35 (Winchester Highlands/Melrose) beginning with a single lane closure at 7:45 PM to initiate the movable “zipper lane” barrier setup. A second lane closure will follow immediately thereafter to complete the installation of the movable barrier for use of the crossover by 10 PM.

– I-93 SB will remain restricted to 2 travel lanes from south of Exit 35 to north of Exit 28 (Sullivan Square) between 10 PM Friday, May 20th and 5 AM Saturday, May 21st.

– All of the southbound entrance and exit ramps on I-93 between Exit 33 (Roosevelt Circle – Route 28/Fellsway) and Exit 28 (Sullivan Square) will remain open. The entrance ramp from Route 28/Fellsway West in Stoneham to I-93 southbound will be closed between 7:30 PM Friday, May 20th and 5 AM Saturday, May 21st.

– Through traffic travelling south on I-93 will be restricted to the right two travel lanes with the northbound traffic located in the adjacent left lanes separated by the movable barrier. All I-93 through traffic will be located within the southbound barrel of the highway in a counter-flow operation. The shoulder lane will not be used as a travel lane, but will be available for emergency vehicle access and disabled vehicles.

– Three lanes will be provided on I-93 SB just north of Exit 28 (Sullivan Square/ Charlestown) and adjacent to the start of the HOV lane.

Route I-93 Northbound

– On Friday May 20th, I-93 NB will be restricted to two lanes north of Exit 29 (Route 28/38 – Somerville/Everett) beginning with a single lane closure at 8 PM to initiate the crossover implementation. A second lane closure will follow thereafter to complete the installation of the median crossover by 10 PM. Through traffic on I-93 NB will remain restricted to 2 travel lanes from north of Exit 29 (Route 28/38 – Somerville/Everett) to north of Exit 33 (Roosevelt Circle – Route 28/Fellsway) between 10 PM Friday, May 20th and 5 AM Saturday, May 21st.

– Beyond the crossover point, one lane of local ramp access will be provided on I-93 northbound to service all of the ramps between Exits 31 (Mystic Valley Parkway/ Arlington) and Exit 33 (Roosevelt Circle – Route 28/Fellsway). Traffic in the local access lane will be restricted to one travel lane. Any traffic entering I-93 NB from the on ramps between Exits 31 and 33 will merge back with I-93 NB through traffic exiting the northerly crossover in the area prior to Exit 34 (Route 28 North – Stoneham/Melrose).

– Through traffic travelling north on I-93 will be restricted to two lanes which will cross over the median and travel in the southbound side of the highway, separated from the SB traffic by the movable barrier. There will not be a shoulder lane available for the northbound direction between 8 PM Friday, May 20th and 5 AM Saturday, May 21st.

MassDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time for their trips and to reduce speed and use caution when travelling through all work zones.

For more information or to sign up to receive future updates and schedule information, visit the project’s website at www.mass.gov/massdot/93fast14.

To view a short animated video and learn more about the project, please visit MassDOT’s YouTube Channel at http://youtu.be/dx9egqLURTE.

For transportation news and updates, visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.

– Information from MassDOT