GTI Coordinates
Award-Winning Project
The Maine Quality Initiative Steering Committee presented a Grand Quality Acheivement Award to Guilford Transportation Industries in recognition for their outstanding quality performance on the Cataract Bridge Project in Saco, Maine.
Guilford Rail System’s east-west mainline runs through the heart of Saco and is carried over the Saco River Falls by the Cataract Bridge. For years the same bridge structure also carried Saco’s Main Street across the tracks on an old wood crossing deck that was supported on wood ties. The bridge was a constant source of trouble, and for a number of reasons the decision was made to upgrade the complex, elevated crossing. The key to the project, which would be accomplished in just over three weeks at a cost of $2.5 million, was to form a strong partnership between Guilford Rail’s engineers, the Department of Transportation and the City of Saco.
Excellent cooperation among all parties - including patient local merchants whose business were affected by the Main Street closure - provided a lesson in the benefits of well- planned partnering.
Replacement of the bridge was required because roadway salt had leaked through the timber deck, causing significant corrosion of the steel superstructure below. Further, the ride over the deck was uncomfortable for motorists, and the timber fasteners would occasionally cause problems for vehicle tires. Traffic projections were another factor: average daily traffic at the site is currently 22,500, but that volume is expected to increase by at least 50% by the year 2012. During the Summer, tourist activity - a major source of revenue for local merchants - means that traffic volume is significantly higher in the area.
The bridge’s poor condition historically meant frequent crossing-deck repairs, which in turn required street closures that caused inconvenience to motorists and local businesses. In addition, the rail corridor has been considered for passenger trains and intermodal traffic. Therefore, the potential for double-track capacity was an important consideration.
According to Saco City Administrator Larry Mitchell, “It was important to reconstruct the Cataract Bridge before Amtrak passenger rail service between Boston and Portland, including a stop in Saco, can begin.”
At the urging of Guilford Rail, City officials and the DOT agreed to close the bridge for three weeks rather than build a temporary bridge with one-way traffic only, have the project last three months, and add an additional cost of $300,000.
A partnering effort was undertaken at the start of the design process. This joint effort addressed concerns of highway traffic, railroad operations, requirements of utility companies and the needs of local merchants and citizens affected by the project.
The public was kept informed about the project through meetings and hearings held in the City of Saco, where members of the community voiced questions and comments. The city staff accommodated project needs and worked closely with engineers during the entire design-and- construction process. When it became clear, for instance, that the construction schedule could be accelerated by working around the clock, seven days a week, it proved critical to have the highway closed for that period. So, as part of the partnering arrangement and to help people get around the construction, the Maine Department of Transportation provided free shuttle bus rides between Biddeford and Saco. The Maine Turnpike Authority also waived the toll on the Maine Turnpike between Exits 4 and 5.
Track, signal, and bridge work was performed by Guilford Rail’s Engineering Department, including assisting in the redesign of the Standard Premier concrete crossing modules. Most of the structural-replacement work was performed by CPM Contractors, the prime contractor for the project. Roadway approaches were built by the city. Utilities relocated from the old structure to the new included NYNEX telephone conduit; the water line of the Biddeford & Saco Water Co.; the sanitary sewer of the City of Saco, fiber optic cables for both U.S. Sprint and AT&T; railroad signal conduit; and overhead cables for Continental Cablevison, Central Maine Power and the Saco fire department. All of these parties worked together to keep project costs reasonable.
It must also be noted that this project would not have been a success without the coordinating efforts put forth from the City of Biddeford.
The Cataract Bridge project resulted in an increase in train speeds to 30 mph, a smooth roadway surface, no undue inconvenience during construction and a good safety record.
“It’s an engineering feat, said Saco Mayor Mark Johnston, who owns a Main Street sandwich shop, Vic and Whit’s. “Everyone seems to be happy, Main Street is being rediscovered.”
Posing with the award are (L to R) Guilford Transportation Industries Project Engineers Tim Cobb, Phil Brake, Premier Concrete Railroad Crossings Regional Sales Manager James Jordie, and GTI Project Engineer Roger Bergeron.