Connecticut Department of Transportation

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: October 27, 2011
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
Project No. 148-202, Intersection Improvements to Route 68 (Church Street) at Route 150 (Main Street), Town of Wallingford
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the intersection Improvements to Route 68 at Route 150 on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 in Room 315, at the Wallingford Town Hall in Room 315, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, Connecticut.  Department personnel will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions prior to a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m. 
The purpose of the project is to improve safety and traffic operations on Route 68 at its intersection with Route 150.  The westbound approach of Route 68 presently consists of a long exclusive left-turn lane, a through-lane and an exclusive right-turn lane.  The left-turn lane originates on the eastern side of Bridge #3293 (over the Quinnipiac River).  The design proposes that the right-turn lane be converted to a shared through-lane and right-turn lane.  The left-turn lane will be shortened to be 125 feet long allowing two through-lanes to extend across the bridge. 

On the west leg in the westbound direction, Route 68 presently consists of one lane which widens to 2 westbound lanes about 250 feet west of the intersection. Two lanes will be constructed on this portion of Route 68 to match 2 through lanes through the intersection.  This will require a sliver widening of the north edge of the roadway on the west side of the intersection.  In conjunction with changes to these lane arrangements, traffic signal equipment will be replaced.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in fall 2012, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2013, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $1.2 million and it is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% federal and 20% 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 the intersection improvements to Route 68 at Route 150.

Deaf and hearing impaired persons wishing to attend this meeting and requiring an interpreter must make arrangements by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications at (860) 594-3062 (voice only) at least five working days prior to the meeting.

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. Timothy M. Wilson at (860) 594-3189 or by e-mail at timothy.wilson@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Wallingford Town Hall.