Bridge No. 00849, built in 1955, carries Route 190 over (I-84) in the town of Union.  This structure, which carries one lane of traffic in each direction, is situated 1.2 miles east of Route 89.  The structure has a total length of 214 feet, and a curb-to-curb width of 38 feet, out-to-out deck width of 44 feet. The existing minimum vertical clearances over I-84 westbound and I-84 eastbound are 15 feet-7 inches and 15 feet-3 inches, respectively.  The structure consists of a steel multi-girder superstructure constructed on pile supported concrete stub abutments and a concrete pier which is founded on bedrock.  The existing continuous plate girders are 52” deep over most of the bridge, with deeper haunched sections at the pier.  There are safety walks and parapets on both sides of the bridge roadway. The reinforced concrete deck is overlaid with 2.5 inches of bituminous concrete on membrane waterproofing.  Subsequent to the original bridge construction, I-84 was widened to add a lane in each direction. The I-84 roadway profile was lowered and concrete retaining walls were constructed in front of the stub abutments.  The estimated 2009 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on Route 190 at this site is 2,600 vehicles.  The estimated 2009 ADT on I-84 under the bridge is 50,700 vehicles.

The project is necessary since the existing structure is structurally deficient due to the poor condition of the superstructure and functionally obsolete due to the substandard minimum vertical clearance.  The bridge is structurally deficient because the fascia girders exhibit extensive vehicular impact damage as a result of the substandard vertical clearance.  The impact damage has caused transverse cracks and gouges in the bottom flange.

The proposed rehabilitation consists of a new two-span continuous, high strength weathering steel superstructure, providing a minimum vertical clearance of 16 feet-3 inches.  The depth of the steel beams will be reduced to increase the minimum vertical clearance.  The abutments and center pier will be modified to accommodate the proposed superstructure. The structure length will remain the same, while the curb-to-curb width on the bridge will be increased to 39 feet-10 inches.  The existing substandard guide railing along Route 190 and I-84, within the project limits, will be removed and replaced with Type R-B 350 guide railing that conforms to current standards.

The bridge will be constructed in two stages.  Alternating one-way traffic, controlled by temporary signalization, will be maintained during each stage.  Three lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction of I-84, except when short term closures during off-peak hours are required.  No impacts to private property are anticipated.  Work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2013 and be completed in the fall of 2014.  The estimated construction cost is $5,100,000.

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.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss the project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’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 mary.baker@ct.gov to make an appointment.  All persons interested in this project are welcome to attend this meeting and discuss the project with CTDOT personnel.