1. Notice of Scoping for I-95 Interchange 74 Improvements at Route 161 and Replacement of Bridge No. 00250
Municipality where proposed project might be located: East Lyme
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to address vehicular safety on I-95 at Interchange 74 and address traffic operational concerns between Interchanges 74 and 75 in East Lyme. In addition, this project will address traffic operational concerns and improve safety for all roadway users (motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists) on Route 161 in the vicinity of the exit 74 interchange ramps. It is also proposed to replace the I-95 bridge (No. 00250) over Route 161 due to its poor condition and to accommodate the widening on Route 161.
Current deficiencies include substandard geometry on the I-95 freeway, substandard geometric features on Interchange 74 access ramps, poor conditions and features of Bridge No. 00250 (I-95 over Route 161) and a lack of auxiliary turn lanes/shoulders on Route 161.
The proposed improvements on I-95 include full reconstruction and widening to accommodate the revised ramp configurations, auxiliary lanes between exits 74 & 75 in each direction and the full replacement of the bridge over Route 161. As a result of the I-95 widening, the bridge over Pattagansett River will be extended and retaining walls will be constructed. At various locations within the project limits, the proposed improvements on I-95 will accommodate a future project to add a third lane.
The proposed southbound ramps will be realigned to terminate on a new frontage road to form a signalized “T” type intersection. This new frontage road will form a signalized “T” type intersection with a three-lane approach to Route 161 consisting of one left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes. Route 161 northbound at this new intersection will have a four-lane approach consisting of two exclusive left-turn lanes and two through lanes. The southbound Route 161 approach to this intersection will consist of two through lanes and exclusive turn lanes.
The terminus of the northbound I-95 exit 74 ramp will be relocated southerly to form a new signalized intersection with Route 161 and the Burger King Driveway. Vehicles on southbound Route 161 will be accessing I-95 northbound on a new entrance “loop” ramp approximately 500 feet south of its current location. The entrance ramp to I-95 northbound for vehicles on northbound Route 161 will be realigned slightly at its present location.
To address safety and traffic operations on Route 161, improvements include full reconstruction and widening to provide turn lanes, wider shoulders, and sidewalk connectivity within the project limits.
The right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements include total and partial property acquisitions, permanent easements, and temporary easements during construction. The existing non-access lines will be revised to accommodate the new proposed ramps.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: Friday June 7, 2019
There will be a Public Scoping Meeting for this project at:
DATE: Thursday May 23, 2019
TIME: 6:30 P.M. Open Forum followed by a Formal Presentation at 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: East Lyme Middle School (Auditorium), 31 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357
NOTES: The meeting facility is ADA accessible. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2243 at least five business days prior to the meeting. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
Plans will be available at the Town Hall, Department of Planning & Zoning, and on the Town's website by May 9, 2019.
Written comments should be sent to:
| Name: | Ms. Susan M. Libatique, P.E., Transportation Principal Engineer |
| Agency: | Connecticut Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546 |
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131-7546 |
| E-Mail: | Susan.Libatique@ct.gov |
| Name: | Mr. Ahsan K. Saghir, Transportation Engineer |
| Agency: | Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering & Construction |
| Address: | 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131 |
| Phone: | (860) 594-2076 |
| E-Mail: | Ahsan.Saghir@ct.gov |
Inquiries and requests to view and or copy documents, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, must be submitted to the sponsoring State Agency:
Name: Ms. Alice M. Sexton, Principal Attorney
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-3045
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov