2. Notice of Scoping for Route 85 Improvements - South of Route 82
Addresses of possible locations: The project includes four separate segments along Route 85 south of Route 82. The limits begin just south of the intersection of Route 85 and Route 82 (Salem Four Corners Roundabout) and extends southerly to a point 800 feet south of the intersection with Lakewood Drive. This 5+ mile section of Route 85 is classified as a Principal Arterial and National Highway System Route, and functions as a major north-south route linking the New London and Hartford areas.
Municipalities where proposed action might be located: Towns of Montville and Salem
Project Description: The proposed improvements include widening shoulders, upgrading guiderail, addressing vertical geometry deficiencies, addressing isolated drainage, accommodating bypass and bicycles, and constructing new climbing lanes where appropriate. The proposed work also includes the relocation of approximately 2000 feet of Route 161 from its present location to be realigned opposite with a local road named Deer Run. The new intersection of Route 85, Route 161, and Deer Run is proposed to be a single lane roundabout. The existing intersection of Route 85 at Grassy Hill Road and Chesterfield Road will be expanded to incorporate improved turning radii, auxiliary turning lanes, and a new traffic signal. Two bridges are proposed to be replaced, Route 85 over Fraser Brook (Bridge No. 02538) and Route 85 over Latimer Brook (Bridge No. 01248), to meet the latest design standards and upgraded Route 85 geometry. The project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80 percent Federal funds and 20 percent State funds.
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: Wednesday March 30, 2022.
There will be a virtual public scoping meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Tuesday March 15, 2022
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Virtual Meeting
NOTES: The meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube Live. A Question and Answer session will immediately follow the presentation. Instructions on how to access the meeting and how to provide comments/ ask questions during the Q&A portion of the meeting will be available prior to the meeting on the project webpage: https://portal.ct.gov/DOTSalemMontville85-146.
Individuals with limited internet access may request that project information be mailed to them by contacting Mr. Jason A. Vincent by email at Jason.Vincent@ct.gov or by phone at (860) 594-2752. Allow one week for processing and delivery.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (888) 566-5916 and entering the Participant Code when prompted: 9977843. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
The MS Teams Live Event offers closed-captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options. A recording of the formal presentation will be posted to YouTube following the event and closed-captioning (including non-English translation options) will be available at that time. The recording will also be available in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/general/CTDOT-VPIM-Library
Written comments, questions about the public meeting, or questions about the project should be sent to (email preferred):
Name: Mr. Jason Vincent, Project Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: DOTProject85-146@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
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov
What Happens Next: The sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.