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	CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: April 15, 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

Project # 4-123

F.A.P. 0014-(169)

Town of Avon, Connecticut

Route 44

Safety and Traffic Operational Improvements on U.S. Route 44

(Avon Mountain Road)

Avon, CT-       The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today that, weather permitting, the start of construction activities for the Safety and Traffic Operational Improvements on U.S. Route 44 in Avon will start on Friday April 18, 2008.  The construction will affect portions of Route 44 from the West Hartford – Avon line to the Intersection of Route 10 with Route 44. 

These construction activities are part of a $13.2 million dollar contract that will be constructed by Spazzarini Construction Company, Inc of Enfield, Connecticut under the direction of the Department of Transportation, District 4 Construction Office. 

The Project consists of widening of Route 44 from approximately 500 feet east of the intersection with Route 10 easterly to the West Hartford – Avon town line for a total length of approximately 1.4 miles.  The project reconstructs U.S. Route 44 to soften existing curves east of Pine Tree Lane and west of Montevideo Road, construction of a planted median between the Avon/West Hartford town line and Pine Tree Lane and a textured median from Pine Tree Lane to the western project limits.  This median will provide separation between opposing vehicles with a cable median barrier system through the curved sections.  The project also includes the closure of the existing intersection between Route 44 and Montevideo Road in conjunction with a new connection from Montevideo Road to Parsons Way.  Other project improvements include restricting access at the eastern junction of Pine Tree Lane to right in and right out only turns, various drainage and guide rail upgrades and widening of the existing narrow shoulders.  

Construction Sequence:

The first stage of construction includes installation of construction signs, surveying and layout work and tree clearing operations all along Route 44.  These operations will begin the week of April 21st.

During this first stage of the Contractor will begin catch basins and drainage structures installations at various locations along Rte. 44 westbound. 

Once these installations are complete, Spazzarini will start construction on the new box culverts and drainage channels along the westbound side of Rte. 44 at Pine Tree Lane. 

During this stage of construction temporary concrete barrier curb will be installed along Rte. 44 westbound permanently closing the right lane in the vicinity of Pine Tree Lane.

Traffic Operations:

Motorists can expect lane closures at all times, in either direction along this section of Route 44 from April 18, 2008 until the contract completion date of November 29, 2010.

Only one lane of traffic in each direction will be available while construction is proceeding including peak travel hours.

Construction signs and Local Police will be utilized for traffic control.

Motorists are advised to reduce their speed accordingly through the work zone