HIGHWAYS & BRIDGES Archives

MASSDOT RT 24 & RT 140 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation RT 24/RT 140 Interchange Improvements Project in Taunton, MA, includes extensive widening of RT 24 in both NB and SB directions, new on and off ramps connecting to RT24 to RT 140, the replacement of two bridges over active railroad corridors, one bridge carrying RT 24 over RT 140, substantial widening and reconstruction of RT 140 in both directions, and associated highway upgrades to enhance access to the Taunton Commuter Rail Station. Manafort was selected by the previous contractor’s surety to serve as the Prime Completion Contractor, responsible for delivering the remaining components of this critical and heavily traveled interchange. All three Manafort entities—Manafort Brothers, Manafort Transit, and Manafort Precision—are working collaboratively to execute and deliver the remaining work.

Manafort’s bridge replacement scope includes temporary support of excavation, temporary cofferdams for a river bypass, cast-in-place concrete abutments, cast-in-place retaining walls, structural steel erection, cast-in-place bridge decks and parapets, roadway construction, and paving.

Leveraging extensive heavy highway and bridge construction experience, Manafort ensured a seamless transition in completing the remaining project work. As the Prime Completion Contractor, Manafort is self-performing a majority of the remaining construction, including earthwork, substructure concrete, superstructure concrete, civil & utility work, and roadway construction. The project continues to advance toward safe, on-budget, and on-schedule delivery.

RHODE ISLAND AIRPORT CONNECTOR PROJECT

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Airport Connector Landscaping project in Warwick, RI, focused on corridor-wide aesthetic and gateway enhancements along the approach to T.F. Green International Airport. Manafort Brothers Incorporated served as the prime contractor, managing all construction activities throughout the improvement limits spanning the Airport Gateway area, I-95 North and South, the Airport Connector, and the main Arrival Area.

Manafort’s work included site preparation and installation of two concrete foundations to support newly fabricated, internally and externally illuminated Gateway Signs—each exceeding 100 feet in length and 20 feet in height—identifying the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport along the I-95 corridor. Manafort coordinated closely with specialty subcontractor ArtFX to ensure all sign components met the project’s rigorous quality, durability, and scale requirements for what became the largest signage structures ever constructed in the state. ArtFX dedicated over 6,500 hours to design and fabrication, producing aluminum and acrylic assemblies with high-performance LED lighting for back-lit lettering.

Additional project elements included the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 771, carrying Airport Connector Road over Jefferson Boulevard. Work consisted of removing and replacing PCB-impacted parapets, selective concrete deck repairs, and installation of new sculptural blue wave fencing to align with the project’s visual theme. Corridor enhancements also featured over 2,100 linear feet of colored, wave-pattern median delineators; painting of existing median barrier; and installation of approximately 2,200 linear feet of custom-fabricated, painted steel sculptural fencing along the Connector Road shoulders.

Landscaping improvements incorporated nearly 7,000 native plants and flowers, along with placement of more than 42,000 square yards of plantable soil and seeding to support long-term growth and sustainability.

Manafort’s commitment to safety, quality, and project execution ensured the successful delivery of this high-visibility gateway improvement—on schedule and within budget.

RIDOT I-95 PROVIDENCE VIADUCT NORTHBOUND

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation I-95 Providence Viaduct Northbound Design-Build Project in Providence involved the full replacement of the seven-span Bridge No. 578 on I-95, as well as the replacement, widening, and rehabilitation of 10 additional bridges along the corridor. As part of a Joint Venture, Manafort Brothers, Inc. was selected as the Design-Build Prime Contractor to deliver this complex project within one of the state’s most heavily traveled interstate sections.

The design-build team developed an innovative traffic configuration through the I-95 interchange to reduce congestion and weaving for the 200,000 vehicles per day that travel through this interchange in downtown Providence. The project includes construction of a 1,290-foot viaduct bridge featuring two I-95 express lanes, three collector-distributor lanes, and on-ramp connections from Route 6/10 and downtown Providence. Additional work includes replacement of Bridge No. 703 (RI-146 over I-95), Bridge No. 701 (Smith Street over I-95), and Bridge No. 1379 (Atwells Avenue on-ramp to I-95 Northbound).

The team utilized Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, including Prefabricated Bridge Units (PBUs) over the Amtrak right-of-way, to efficiently widen Bridge No. 706. To address challenging geotechnical conditions, ultra-light foam glass aggregate (ULFGA) fill was incorporated into mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to achieve net-zero loading.

As Design-Build Prime Contractor, Manafort self-performed a majority of the work, including excavation, substructure concrete rehabilitation, superstructure concrete, drainage, and roadway construction. Leveraging extensive design-build expertise. The project was successfully completed safely, on budget, and on schedule.

CTDOT I-95 INTERCHANGE 74 IMPROVEMENTS

The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s I-95 Interchange 74 Improvements Project in East Lyme, CT, involves the realignment and construction of new on- and off-ramps at Exit 74, along with the replacement of the I-95 Bridge over Route 161. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and traffic flow for motorists transitioning on and off the interstate. Manafort Brothers, Inc. was selected as the Prime Contractor to deliver this critical infrastructure project on one of the most heavily traveled sections of I-95.

The mainline highway work spans more than one mile and is being executed in six carefully planned stages. Manafort’s scope includes daily complex traffic control operations, extensive rock blasting and removal, large-scale earthwork, precast concrete retaining walls, soil nail walls, drainage and utility relocations, culvert extensions, wetland establishment, highway lighting, precast barrier installation, and paving. More than 300,000 cubic yards of earth and rock are being excavated to modify the vertical curvature of I-95—improving sightlines, roadway safety, and the vertical clearance at Bridge No. 250 over Route 161. Certain areas of the interstate require cuts and fills of up to 25 feet to accommodate the new roadway and bridge profile.

Manafort’s bridge scope includes the multi-stage demolition and reconstruction of I-95 Bridge No. 00250 over Route 161, ensuring continuous traffic operations throughout construction. The project also includes structural modifications to existing Bridge No. 0251 over Latimer Brook, requiring strict adherence to environmental protections and permitting requirements.

As Prime Contractor, Manafort has self-performed a majority of the work, including demolition, earthwork, substructure and superstructure concrete, drainage, and roadway construction. Manafort’s extensive heavy highway and bridge experience has positioned the project for safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery.