For more than 15 years, VHB and Barletta Heavy Division have been at the forefront of New England’s most ambitious transportation projects, carving out a reputation for excellence and innovation through a series of impactful collaborations with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and other state and local transportation entities.
A Collaborative Partnership
The synergy between VHB and Barletta Heavy Division is rooted in a shared commitment to advancing infrastructure in ways that enhance safety, mobility, and sustainability. Their longstanding partnership has resulted in the successful delivery of numerous high-profile design-build projects, showcasing their joint capacity to tackle complex challenges efficiently and effectively.
Transformative MassDOT Projects
Among the signature projects that best illustrate the strength of their collaboration is the Route 79/Braga Bridge Improvements in Fall River, Massachusetts, which aimed to reconfigure and reconstruct the Route 79/Interstate 195 interchange. This pivotal project was designed to enhance structural integrity, traffic flow, and community connectivity. VHB’s experience in structural engineering and environmental planning, coupled with Barletta's robust heavy construction capabilities, provided minimal disruption to the community and high safety standards. The improved interchange now features safer, more efficient travel paths, and reconnects neighborhoods previously divided by highway infrastructure.
Creating Connections: Improving Safety and Mobility
Another notable collaboration is the landmark Six Bridge Rail Replacement project in Boston, Massachusetts. This megaproject aimed to replace six structurally deficient rail bridges without disrupting the daily operations of commuter and freight rail services. Completed under stringent timelines and budget constraints, the project exemplified the team’s adeptness in managing large-scale infrastructure endeavors. VHB provided environmental, civil engineering, and transportation planning services, while Barletta Heavy Division handled the intricate construction logistics and execution. The success of this project significantly improved rail safety and efficiency, providing reliable service for thousands of passengers and freight operations daily.
In their latest collaboration, VHB and Barletta are working together on the I-495/I-90 Interchange reconstruction project, a critical improvement for one of Massachusetts' busiest interchanges—currently the state’s largest infrastructure project. The project aims to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety for the thousands of vehicles that use the interchange daily. VHB is providing a comprehensive suite of services, including environmental permitting, public outreach, and transportation planning, while Barletta is spearheading the construction efforts. This project is set to bring significant benefits to the region's transportation network, promoting smoother and safer travel.
Celebrating Success
"The partnership between VHB and Barletta Heavy Division exemplifies how long-lasting, collaborative relationships can drive transformative results on vital infrastructure projects," said Meredith Avery, VHB New England Regional Manager and Senior Vice President. "Our collective experience and close working relationship allow for the creative solutions and schedule drivers that design-build projects can achieve. Together the team was able to redesign the early concepts to eliminate three bridges, saving time and construction costs, and reducing future maintenance costs for MassDOT.”
Michael M. Foley, President of Barletta Heavy Division, echoed these sentiments, "Working with VHB has allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in construction and engineering. Together, we’ve tackled some of the region’s toughest infrastructure challenges head-on, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact."
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the VHB-Barletta partnership is poised to continue playing a crucial role in New England infrastructure. With a regional pipeline of upcoming initiatives aimed at modernizing transportation, real estate, and energy infrastructure amid growing urbanization and environmental concerns, their collective experience and knowledge will be pivotal.
As VHB and Barletta Heavy Division celebrate this 15-year milestone, their shared legacy is not just a testament to past achievements but a beacon for future possibilities, driving Massachusetts and New England toward a more connected and resilient future.
