1. Notice of Scoping for the Replacement of Bridge No. 02866 - Route 275 over the Willimantic River

Municipalities where proposed project might be located: Coventry and Mansfield

Address of Possible Project Location: Route 275 over the Willimantic River

Project Description: This project involves the replacement of Bridge No. 02866, which carries Route 275 over Willimantic River, and is located on the Coventry/Mansfield town line. The bridge, built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1973, is a two-span bridge supported by stone masonry abutments and a center pier. The total length of the bridge is 122 feet, with a maximum span length of 61 feet.  There are no curbs or sidewalks located on this bridge.  The curb-to-curb deck width is 14.3 feet, which accommodates one lane of alternating one-way traffic controlled by stop signs. The average daily traffic on the bridge is roughly 3,100 vehicles.  The approach roadways accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction; however, just east of Bridge No. 02866 is a railroad bridge, which has a minimum curb-to-curb width of 17 feet, allowing only alternating one-way traffic to pass beneath.    

The replacement is necessary because the existing bridge structure is structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, and hydraulically inadequate.  The bridge is functionally obsolete due to its substandard curb-to-curb roadway width.  The bridge is hydraulically inadequate due to its inability to pass the 100-year design storm with the required 2-feet of underclearance.  The bridge is structurally deficient due to the poor condition of the box beams. 

The proposed project consists of replacing the existing bridge with a two span precast, prestressed box beam superstructure supported by integral concrete abutments founded upon augered steel piles.  The box beams will be approximately 24" deep with a 5" reinforced concrete shear slab placed on top.  The box beams would be connected with a reinforced concrete closure pour to facilitate integral movement and preclude the need for an expansion joint.  The roadway width will be 32 feet comprised of two 11-foot lanes with 5-foot shoulders.  The new concrete integral abutments will be constructed behind the existing stone abutments, which will remain.  Piles will be augered 10 feet from the face of the existing abutments which will increase the structure length to 140 feet.  The span lengths will each be 70 feet in length.  The concrete caps of the existing abutments will be removed.  The existing stone pier will be utilized, removing the existing concrete cap and replacing it with a widened cast in place concrete cap.  The approach roadways will be reconstructed to accommodate the widened roadway section of the bridge.              

Project Maps:  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:  Thursday April 16, 2015.

Any person can ask the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to hold a Public Scoping Meeting by sending such a request to the email or address below.  If a meeting is requested by 25 or more individuals, or by an association that represents 25 or more members, CTDOT shall schedule a Public Scoping Meeting.  Such requests must be made by Friday March 27, 2015.

If you have questions about the project, contact: