4. Notice of Scoping for Removal of Exit 21 Off-Ramp on Interstate 84 Eastbound (EB)
Address of possible location: Interstate 84 (I-84) in the EB direction and on the local road network within the vicinity of the I-84 EB Exit 21 and Exit 22 off-ramps. The proposed project area encompasses I-84 EB from Mile Marker 32.45, inclusive of the off-ramp for Exit 21 (Bridge No. 03191F), to Mile Marker 32.62 at the Exit 22 off-ramp. The existing Interchange 21 off-ramp terminates at Meadow Street. Interchange 22 off-ramp terminates at the intersection with Market Square and South Main Street/McMahon Street. The local roadway network of interest extends from Liberty Street to the south and Grand Street to the north. The network extends from Meadow Street to the west and South Main Street to the east.
Municipality where proposed action might be located: Waterbury
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to improve safety, traffic flow, and air quality by reducing traffic congestion on I-84 EB in the vicinity of Exits 19-22 in Waterbury, as well as enhance the local roadway network. Both system movements from Route 8 Northbound (NB) and Southbound (SB) enter I-84 on the right and left, respectively, creating a short four lane weave section (approximately 350 feet long) prior to the Exit 21 off-ramp. The auxiliary lane within the weave section serves as the single lane Exit 21 off-ramp. The project proposes to remove the Exit 21 off-ramp from I-84 EB and extend the auxiliary lane to allow more merge and diverge space for drivers entering and exiting I-84 EB in the vicinity of Exit 22. The on-ramp to I-84 EB from Meadow Street will remain open. The I-84 EB Exit 22 off-ramp will be restriped to two lanes to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic due to the removal of the Exit 21 off-ramp. Work will be done to improve the functionality and safety of the local roadway network, including new traffic signals with improved signal timing and phasing. The project also includes streetscape and urban design improvements that are expected to create a safer and more welcoming environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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: Monday April 10, 2023.
There will be a public scoping meeting for this proposed action:
DATE: Thursday March 23, 2023
TIME: 6:00 p.m. open house - formal presentation to follow at 6:30 p.m.
PLACE: Maloney Magnet School, 233 South Elm Street, Waterbury, CT 06706
NOTES: The meeting location is ADA accessible. Language assistance, including American Sign Language, may be requested by contacting CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 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: https://www.newmixwaterbury.com
Comments, questions about the public meeting, or questions about the project should be sent to (email preferred):
Name: Mr. Jonathan Dean, Project Manager
Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Engineering and Construction
Address: 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131
Phone: (860) 594-3211
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 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.