The I-91, I-691, Route 15 Interchange Improvement Program Phase Two is announcing that demolition on the Paddock Avenue Bridge over Route 15 began on Sunday night, 9/22, and will continue for several nights.
In order to widen Route 15, the Paddock Avenue Bridge must be lengthened to accommodate the new width. Thus, the Paddock Avenue Bridge, beginning with the existing southern abutment, must be demolished and reconstructed.
To do this, firstly, sound barrier walls will be installed and the metal fence on the east side of the bridge will be removed, as needed. The demolition will then start at the southeast corner of the bridge; we will start saw cutting with a large blade to saw the concrete deck and parapet which will then be hoe-rammed with an excavator to break up the existing concrete.
This process will be repeated across the bridge over several nights, and will create sound that may carry throughout the vicinity. The noise barriers will be moved along with the demolition operation and reconfigured for other operations to attempt to contain the sound. Also, noise monitoring will be done throughout the operations and if necessary other modifications will be made.
While this work is taking place, under the bridge, Route 15 will have protection with debris shields and lane closures. Thank you for your patience during this demolition operation. We will keep you advised of future demolition/construction as the project progresses.
Please see the images below with the demolition plans and equipment to be used in this process: