Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Route 85 Improvements - South of Route 82

Address of Possible Project Location: 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. 

Since the project was originally scoped, the scope of the project has been reduced. The previously proposed Route 161 realignment and the new roundabout at Route 85/Route 161/Deer Run have been removed due to heavy impacts to the quarry/rock-crushing facility. Additionally, there will be no construction of climbing lanes. CTDOT will continue moving forward with the rest of the proposed Route 85 improvements and the existing Route 85/Route 161 signalized intersection will be upgraded within its existing footprint.

Municipalities where it would be located: Towns of Montville and Salem

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On February 22, 2022, the CT Department of Transportation (CT DOT) published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed project in the Environmental Monitor.

A public scoping meeting was held on Tuesday March 15, 2022. 

Comments were received during the public comment period from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Office of Policy and Management. Comments were also received from various members of the public at the public scoping meeting and during the comment period. A synopsis of the comments received and CT DOT's responses where applicable are included in the Environmental Review Checklist. Additionally, the report of meeting from the public scoping meeting can be found by clicking here. 
 
After consideration of the comments received, the CT DOT has determined: the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPA. CT DOT's conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist.

Agency contact:

Name: Mr. Jason Vincent, Project Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-2752
E-Mail: Jason.Vincent@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
Phone: (860) 594-3045
E-Mail: Alice.Sexton@ct.gov

What Happens Next: The CT DOT expects the project to go forward. This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.