Press Releases
06/10/2020
Rehabilitation of Rochambeau Bridge Carrying I-84 over the Housatonic River in Newtown and Southbury
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the start of construction activities for the rehabilitation of the Rochambeau Bridge, in Newtown and Southbury, beginning Monday, June 15, 2020.
The project consists of the rehabilitation of Bridges 01218 and 04180 (collectively called the "Rochambeau Bridge"), which carry I-84 over the Housatonic River. The existing bridges have extra-wide shoulders, so there is sufficient room to place bidirectional traffic, with two lanes in each direction, on one of the bridges while the other bridge is reconstructed. The first major traffic shift will place both directions of I-84 traffic on I-84 eastbound utilizing crossovers built in the median of I-84. The I-84 westbound bridge will then be partially demolished and reconstructed while this shift is in place.
Once the new I-84 westbound bridge is completed, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge while the I-84 eastbound bridge is reconstructed, with temporary crossovers built in a similar manner, in the median of I-84.
Work in the river will take place using work trestles and barges. A minimum 75’ channel width for boaters will be maintained at all times, except for major demolition and steel erection work, which requires the advanced approval of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), US Coast Guard and the Lake Zoar Authority.
The project was awarded to Middlesex Corporation at a cost of $52,873,000, on May 13, 2020, and is scheduled to be completed by December 23, 2023.
Motorists are advised that two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained during peak periods, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with lane closures only allowable at night.
The contractor will be allowed to halt I-84 traffic for a period not to exceed ten (10) minutes to perform necessary work for the removal of existing bridge superstructure, and for the delivery, erection and setting of structural steel, between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM on all non-Holiday days.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot