Chelsea, MA – J.F. White Contracting Co. (JFW), of Framingham, MA, is nearing completion of the Chelsea Street Bridge replacement project in Chelsea, MA. In the uniquely challenging project, JFW Electrical division’s crew, ranging from six to twelve IBEW Local 103 electricians, has provided the electrical systems for the new bridge span and control house.
The NECA contractor met the project’s unique logistical and safety challenges; chief, among them, was getting electrical crews, materials and equipment to the bridge’s two machine rooms, located 220 feet above the ground, which house the majority of the electrical equipment. Once the old bridge was removed, the job was separated by the waterway, requiring separate crews and equipment in both towers.
Meeting an accelerated schedule was critical. Crews were given just a 60-hour window to install the bridge span and raise it. After the bridge span was installed, the JFW crew had only a four-hour window to connect and test the electrical systems for the first raising of the bridge span. Tankers in the harbor were waiting for passage and electricians completed connections and testing on schedule, allowing for delivery of heating oil and gasoline to the area.
Discussing the significant challenges the project presented, J.F. White Electrical Division Project Manager George Foley said, “The coordination of the many different electrical systems necessary for the operation of the bridge in itself is unique to this project. It was made more demanding in that the waterway and roadway had to remain open throughout the majority of the construction process.” During fuel season, October to April, the channel had to remain open, and no work was allowed in the water during fish spawning season, April to June. In addition, only six months was allowed for road closure. Foley added, “J.F. White’s Electrical Division team, headed by General Foreman Peter Rush and Foreman Tom Bertochi and the JFW Civil Division’s field team, led by Jack Pecora and Rob Nies, deserve credit in successfully meeting project requirements, including the accelerated schedule.”
The daily operation and control of the bridge will be maintained by JFW Electrical Division’s electricians during the final stages of construction and turnover to the owner. The bridge is open for boat traffic and will be open for vehicle traffic on May 12th.
Also providing work on the project were crews from Boston Lightning Rod, installing the lightning
protection system and Mass Bay Electrical, installing traffic signals.
Chelsea Bridge Project Highlights
• 23,440 Ft. Conduit
• 100,000’ Multiple types of cable
• (2) 480 2- section Switch boards
• (2) 480 MCC cabinets – 6 – section
• (2) 480 MCC cabinets – 4 – section
• (3) 480 Panel boards – 42 circuit
• (6) 120/208 Panel boards – 42 circuit
• (3) 75KVA Transformer
• (2) 30KVA Transformers
• (2) 350KW Diesel Generators – 200’ in the air
• (1) 70KW Gas Generators
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Fire Alarm System
Gas Alarm System
Access/Intrusion System
GAI-Tonics System
(29) CCTV cameras w/associated equipment
Lightning Protection – Machine Rooms
Navigational Lights
(7) Aviation Lights – located 200’+ in the air
(74) Low Bay Lights – located in west towers
Miscellaneous Lights – located in Control House
Traffic Control Devices- signals, loops, interconnection w/Traffic Controller
(8) Warning/Barrier Gates
Fire Suppression System – both Machine Rooms