CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: December 2, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Notice of Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements of Route 189 (Bloomfield Avenue) at Jerome Avenue, Turkey Hill Road and Gabb Road in Bloomfield
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements of Route 189 (Bloomfield Avenue) at Jerome Avenue, Turkey Hill Road and Gabb Road, on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Senior Center of Bloomfield, Quad Room, 330 Park Avenue, Bloomfield, Connecticut.  An informal question and answer session will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m.
Currently the intersection of Route 189 at Jerome Avenue, Turkey Hill Road and Gabb Road is a five-leg intersection that is stop sign controlled on all side street approaches, with Jerome Avenue skewed approximately 20 degrees to Route 189.   
The project proposes to form a conventional four-way signalized intersection with exclusive left turn lanes on Route 189.  Route 189 will be reconstructed approximately 560 feet to provide improved sight distance at the intersection and improved drainage.  The existing Jerome Avenue approach to the intersection of Route 189 will be closed and constructed into a cul-de-sac.  Turkey Hill Road and Gabb Road will be reconstructed for approximately 400 feet to provide a smooth landing and improved sight distance at the intersection.  A new traffic signal will be installed at the proposed intersection.  
A new road connecting Route 189 to Jerome Avenue will be constructed along an existing railroad right-of-way approximately 800 feet north of the new four-leg intersection.  This intersection will be controlled by a traffic signal.  An 8-foot shoulder along Route 189 in the southbound direction will be provided, which will serve as a bypass area for vehicles turning left onto the new road.
Surface and subsurface drainage improvements will be included in the project.  New sidewalk will also be constructed around the cul-de-sac and connect to the existing sidewalk on Jerome Avenue, as well as along the new connector road between Route 189 and Jerome Avenue.  Utility poles and underground utilities will be relocated.  
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2012, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated cost for this project is approximately $4.9 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% Federal and 20% State funds.  Some proposed work will require the acquisition of right of way. 

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  ConnDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. James H. Norman at (860) 594-3150 or by e-mail at james.norman@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Bloomfield Town Hall – Town Clerk’s Office.