Press Releases
09/27/2018
Gov. Malloy Announces New Westbound Lane of I-84 in Waterbury to Open Friday Evening
CTDOT Completes Highway Widening Project One Year Ahead of Schedule
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the recently completed, third westbound lane on I-84 in Waterbury, stretching from Washington Street to Austin Road, will open to drivers for regular use beginning on the night of Friday, September 28.
A newly created, third eastbound lane on the highway opened for use at the end of August. Completion of the new third lanes of travel in each direction means that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is on track to complete the I-84 Waterbury Widening Project one year ahead of schedule.
“The early completion of the I-84 widening project in Waterbury has significantly enhanced Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure for the long-term,” Governor Malloy said. “Thanks to stellar project management and successful collaboration among stakeholders, travelers are already benefitting from reduced congestion and improved safety in this vital corridor. The future of our state depends on a robust transportation system that can drive growth, attract business, and stimulate economic development, and that is why we moved aggressively forward on this project.”
“Since the opening of three eastbound lanes last month, we have heard praise from travelers who report noteworthy reductions in eastbound travel time, even during peak commute hours,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “With the opening of three westbound lanes on I-84 on Friday, we anticipate the same positive results – reduced congestion, improved travel times, and satisfied travelers.”
“We are pleased with the progress that enables us to open three lanes on I-84 one year earlier than was originally planned,” CTDOT District Engineer John S. Dunham said. “We will continue to make improvements to I-84 and to local roads in Waterbury as part of the project over the next year.”
“Friday’s milestone is a testament to Governor Malloy’s dynamic vision for a modernized network of infrastructure here in Connecticut,” Mayor Neil M. O’Leary said. “In Waterbury, the completion of this highway widening project will serve as a driving force for current and future economic development efforts, and will provide greatly needed traffic and congestion relief for commuters.”
Once the new, third travel lane on I-84 west is open, milling, shimming, and paving of the highway will continue. Final pavement of all lanes on I-84 are anticipated to be completed in the fall.
The westbound 25 on-ramp/Plank Road East/Harpers Ferry Road intersection is anticipated to open in November. Local roadwork will continue through the spring, including improvements and reconstruction of Reidville Drive, East Main Street, Scott Road, and Plank Road East.
Full details on the project can be found on its official website at www.i-84waterbury.com.
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