Patrick Praises 'Fast14' in Visit to Medford

Gov. Deval Patrick paid a visit to the headquarters of the "Fast14" rapid bridge replace project Tuesday, praising those involved with the work.

"The fact that you are trying to do things in some innovative ways, and doing it in ways that just sing,  and get national recognition, it makes me really proud,” Patrick said.

Patrick sat in on a meeting of about 35 people involved in the project before touring the third floor of the now-closed St. Francis of Assisi School, which now serves as a makeshift MassDOT headquarters for the project.

The other floors are home to construction firms involved in the project. Officials from the various branches praised the collaborative efforts of everyone involved.

"It’s been terrific to watch them take risks and make calculated decisions about whats good for the infrastructure of Massachusetts," Secretary of Transportation Jeff Mullen said. "What we really need to do is scale it and do more of it.”

The project aims to replace 14 superstructures on I-93 in Medford by Labor Day, with the bulk of the work done on the weekends.

Nearly every weekend this summer, traffic on I-93 is narrowed to two lanes each way from Stoneham to Somerville, and local roads nearby experience detours.

Ernie Monroe, the project's resident engineer for MassDOT, said citizens have had complaints about the project, but they've been constructive.

"When people are complaining they actually have something to complain about," Monroe said. "So it seems like we answer those questions and move forward."

The project came about after a massive pothole opened on one I-93 bridge in Medford last summer, causing massive traffic delays.

Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn said residents understand the need to get the project done.

"Although they don't like the noise, they're please it's being done this way," he said.

Patrick said the project is part of an effort to find innovative ways to fix infrastructures that's failing all over the state.

"We are trying to do things to try to get the very most out of taxpayers dollars and to get a jump on all of the differed maintenance," he said. "So kudos to the team on this project and other innovative projects."