The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting for the metallizing, or application of a thin protective coating over metal, of eleven (11) bridges along Route 8 in Thomaston and Litchfield. 

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project and allow an open discussion of any views and comments concerning the proposed improvements. A Q&A session will immediately follow the presentation.

For instructions on how to access the virtual meeting, ways to provide comments, and how to ask questions, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DOTThomaston140-178.

“This project will rehabilitate eleven bridges along Route 8 to enable them to be in a state of good repair,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Project Manager Alvaro Garcia, Jr., P.E. “We encourage members of the public to watch the public information meeting and share questions and comments they have about CTDOT’s efforts to maintain our state’s bridges.”

The work will protect steel members and preserve the condition of the steel bridges, ultimately extending their service life. This project is part of a statewide steel bridge protective coating program.

Right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed project are not anticipated.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 based on the funding availability. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $33 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.

Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting on Zoom by calling (877) 853-5257 and entering Meeting ID 886 8459 4435. Persons with hearing and speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Persons with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Alvaro Garcia, Jr., P.E. at (860) 594-3353 or alvaro.garcia@ct.gov.

Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five 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.

This meeting will also be livestreamed on the CTDOT YouTube channel; no registration is required. Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be posted immediately following the meeting in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by June 1, 2023, to DOTProject140-178@ct.gov, 860-594-2020, or Alvaro Garcia, Jr., P.E. at (860) 594-3353 or alvaro.garcia@ct.gov. Please reference State Project No. 0140-0178.