Additional public information meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements on Route 139

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: January 14, 2011

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Additional public information meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements on Route 139 between Marbar Street and Valley Road in the Towns of Branford/North Branford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed intersection improvements on CT Route 139 between Marbar Street and Valley Road on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the North Branford Town Hall, 909 Foxon Road, North Branford, 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 project is identified as State Project Number 098-103.

The proposed project consists of widening Route 139 in the vicinity of its intersection with School Ground Road to provide an exclusive left-turn lane, as well as installing a traffic signal at the intersection. The widening on Route 139 will also allow southbound through traffic to bypass vehicles tuning left onto Valley Road. Additional improvements include re-grading the embankment slope on the inside of the existing horizontal curve, as well as minor flattening of the existing curve, in the vicinity of Valley Road to improve the sightlines for Route 139 southbound traffic. Minor drainage adjustments will be provided to accommodate the proposed edge of road.

An exclusive left-turn lane on School Ground Road will be installed to reduce queue lengths and allow for a more consistent flow of right-turning traffic. Valley Road will be reconstructed into a T-type intersection with its vertical alignment raised to match the grade on Route 139 and eliminate the steep approach grades at both the north and south junctions of the existing Y-intersection.

The utility poles affected by the proposed improvements will be relocated. Acquisition of rights-of-way from several properties will be required to implement the proposed improvements.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the Spring 2013, based on the availability of funding. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.5 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 90% Federal and 10% State funds.

The Public Informational 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. 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 North Branford Town Hall.