Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

1. Post-Scoping Notice for Relocation of Route 8 Southbound (SB) Interchange 34

Address of Possible Project Location: Route 8 in the southbound (SB) direction and on the local roadway network within the vicinity of Interchange 35 On-ramp (Route 73) and Interchange 34 Off-ramp. The proposed project area encompasses Route 8 SB from Mile Marker 31.56 to Mile Marker 30.62. The existing Interchange 35 On-Ramp begins at E. Aurora Street. The existing Interchange 34 Off-Ramp terminates at West Main Street. The local roadway network of interest extends from E. Aurora Street to the north, West Main Street to the south, Grandview Avenue to the west and northbound (NB) Watertown Avenue to the east.

Municipality where it would be located: Waterbury

Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) Determination: On October 17, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Transportation published a Notice of Scoping to solicit public comments for this proposed Relocation of Route 8 SB Interchange 34 in the Environmental Monitor.

A public scoping meeting was held on Wednesday November 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM. 

Comments were received during the public comment period and during the Public Scoping Meeting. CTDOT received comments from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) and several members of the public. A synopsis of the comments received and CTDOT’s responses are included in the Environmental Review Checklist, which also includes the report of meeting from the public scoping meeting.   
 
After consideration of the comments received, the CTDOT has determined the project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) under the CEPA. The agency’s conclusion is documented in a Memo of Findings and Determination and an Environmental Review Checklist.

Agency contact:

Name: Mr. Jonathan Dean, Project Manager
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
E-Mail: Jonathan.Dean@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 CTDOT expects the project to go forward.  This is expected to be the final notice of the project to be published in the Environmental Monitor.