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

FOR RELEASE: May 17, 2010

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

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed replacement of the Bridge No. 02779 carrying Route 184 over Whitford Brook in the towns of Groton and Stonington on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at the B.F. Hoxie Fire House, 34 Broadway Avenue, Stonington, 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.

The existing bridge collapsed and was washed out as a result of the severe storms of March 29 and 30, 2010.  On March 31, 2010 Commissioner Joseph F. Marie declared that an emergency situation exists that requires replacement of this structure in order to restore this facility to its safe operating conditions.

The existing bridge is a single span structure, 34.75 feet in span length measured along the centerline of Route 184.  The structure is made up of cast-in-place concrete gravity abutments founded on spread footings.  The superstructure measures 35.16 feet wide, out-to-out, and is made up of cast-in-place concrete tee beams with a concrete deck and open balustrade parapets.  Metal guide rail is attached to the ends of the parapets on all four corners.

Route 184 is 30.0 feet curb-to-curb at the bridge and is on a tangent horizontal alignment.  The profile of the road is relatively flat with a sag vertical curve located approximately over the center of the bridge.

The proposed bridge will be a single span structure approximately 78 feet in span length as measured along the centerline of Route 184.  The increased span length improves the hydraulic opening of the structure allowing the 100 year storm to pass below the bridge without overtopping.  The proposed structure will utilize cast-in-place integral abutments founded on H-piles.  The superstructure will be made up of prestressed concrete box-beams with a composite 6-inch thick concrete slab.  A waterproof membrane will be applied to the concrete slab, topped with a bituminous wearing surface.

This structure type will minimize the environmental impacts by elevating the foundation components away from Whitford Brook and up on the roadway embankment. Additionally, the improved hydraulic capacity of the proposed structure in combination with the proposed deep pile foundation will ensure that this structure can resist the effects of scour, which ultimately contributed to its collapse.

Route 184 will be restored to its original alignment and grade with no added traffic capacity for a total project length of approximately 600 feet.

Construction is anticipated to begin on or about July 1, 2010 and will be complete by the fall of 2010.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately between $1 million and $2 million and it will be undertaken with 80% Federal and 20% State funds.

The Public Informational Meeting is being held to inform local officials and public of the proposed activities 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.  Department 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. Scott A. Hill at (860) 594-3272 or by e-mail at scott.hill@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Groton and Stonington Town Clerks Office.