Connecticut Department of Transportation

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: October 23, 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
Public Info Meeting Regarding Replacement of Route 165 (Shetucket Tpke.) Bridge over Pachaug Pond in Griswold
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 01411, which carries Route 165 (Shetucket Turnpike) over Pachaug Pond in the town of Griswold.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Griswold Town Hall Meeting Room, 28 Main Street, Jewett City, Connecticut. 
The existing bridge, built in 1934, is a 24-foot clear span reinforced concrete slab structure situated along the Route 165 causeway between Tabor Road to the east and Burdick Lane to the west.  It carries one lane of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions.  It has an overall length and width of 27 feet and 35.2 feet, respectively, and a curb-to-curb width of 30 feet.  Replacement of the bridge is necessary due to the deteriorated condition of the existing concrete vertical foundation walls.
The proposed replacement bridge is a 40-foot clear span structure.  In order to accommodate construction clearances, the overall width of the structure will increase slightly to 37.67 feet.  This increase in out-to-out bridge width coupled with the use of narrower traffic barrier railings along the new bridge facades, will result in an increased curb-to-curb width of 34 feet.  The replacement bridge will carry traffic on an asphalt-paved, cast-in-place reinforced concrete deck supported by galvanized steel beams.  The new vertical foundation walls will consist of short reinforced concrete integral-type abutments supported on steel rock-bearing piles. Incidental approach roadway work consisting of pavement reconstruction and resurfacing and metal beam guide railing replacement will be performed to approximately 200 feet beyond each end of the bridge. 
The construction will be performed in two stages to provide for an alternating one-way traffic operation controlled by temporary signals during each stage.  No impacts to private property are anticipated due to this project, as all work is expected to be confined within the State highway right-of-way.
Work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2012 and be completed in the fall of 2013.  The replacement of this bridge is to be undertaken with Federal-aid HBRR On-System funds.  The estimated construction cost for this project is $3,100,000.
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 will be available for public review.  CTDOT personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at CTDOT's Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to review the plans may contact Ms. Mary E. Baker at (860) 594-3402 or (860) 563-9375 to make an appointment.
All persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with CTDOT personnel.