Notice of Scoping for Heroes Tunnel Rehabilitation
Address of possible location: The Heroes Tunnel: Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) from Mile Point 46.92 to 47.59
Municipalities where proposed action might be located: Hamden, New Haven, and Woodbridge
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to address structural deterioration and install new fire life safety systems within the Heroes Tunnel to improve the tunnel serviceability and safety along Route 15. The proposed scope includes installing a new ventilation system consisting of jet fans supported by steel structures at the top of the tunnel barrels, replacing the concrete tunnel liner, full depth reconstruction of the Route 15 roadway and groundwater drainage systems within the tunnels, replacing the tunnel lighting electrical system, adding a fire detection system and hydrants, improving emergency egress features and constructing an ancillary building to house new electrical equipment for the fire and life safety system. The project also involves architectural modifications and repairs to the ventilation building.
The Heroes Tunnel is considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and coordination with the CT State Historic Preservation Office (CTSHPO) has begun in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Project Map: Click here to view a map of the project area.
Written comments from the public are welcomed and will be accepted until the close of business on: January 28, 2026.
There will be a public scoping meeting for this proposed project:
DATE: Monday January 12, 2026 (Inclement weather date: Wednesday January 14, 2026)
TIME: 5:00 p.m. A formal presentation will begin at 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: New Haven Fire Academy, 230 Ella T. Grasso Boulevard, New Haven, CT 06519
NOTES: This event is in hybrid format, which can be accessed online or by telephone. The in-person meeting will follow an open-house format from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. A presentation will be held from 6-7:00 p.m., shown both in-person and virtually, followed immediately by a question-and-answer (Q&A) session for all participants. Refer to the project webpage for details: portal.ct.gov/heroestunnel. Registration is required to participate virtually and will be available via the project website in advance of the public meeting. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to access the meeting.
Non-English translation options will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be available on CTDOT’s YouTube Virtual Public Information Meeting playlist: https://portal.ct.gov/ctdotvpimarchive.
Persons with limited internet access may use the call-in number (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 842 1605 2942. Persons with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week of the meeting by contacting Ms. Tracey Brais at Tracey.Brais@ct.gov.
Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting CTDOT’s Language Assistance Call Line (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.
Additional information about the project can be viewed online at: portal.ct.gov/heroestunnel
Written comments and/or questions about the project or public scoping meeting should be sent to:
Name: Ms. Tracey Brais, Transportation Supervising Engineer
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-2020
E-Mail: Tracey.Brais@ct.gov or heroestunnel@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 sponsoring agency will make a determination whether to proceed with preparation of an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) or that the project does not require the preparation of an EIE under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA). A Post-Scoping Notice of its decision will appear in a future edition of the Environmental Monitor.