CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: August 4, 2009

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Project No. 98-103, Improvements on Connecticut Route 139 at School Ground Road, Towns of Branford and North Branford.

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie announced today that the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Office of Engineering is developing plans to improve Route 139 (North Branford/Branford Road), in the Towns of Branford and North Branford.

“It is the Department’s policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken,” said Marie.  “It is important that the community share its concerns with us to assist in the project’s development.”  If there is adequate interest, an informational meeting will be conducted.  At this time, it is not anticipated that a formal public hearing will be necessary.

The project involves the widening of Route 139 at its intersection with School Ground Road to provide bypass capability for southbound vehicles and improve safety and traffic operations.  Additional improvements include roadside grading and flattening of the existing horizontal curve on Route 139 in the vicinity of Valley Road to improve sightlines.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in August 2011, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2012.  This project will be undertaken with 90% federal and 10% state funds.

Anyone interested in receiving information on this project may do so by contacting Mr. James H. Norman, Manager of State Design, at (860) 594-3272, or by e-mail at james.norman@ct.gov.      Please make reference to State Project No. 98-103.