CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: June 2, 2011
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Information Meeting Concerning the Replacement of Bridge 00507, which Carries Route 816 (Glen Road) over the Housatonic River in the Towns of Newtown and Southbury
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a Public Information Meeting concerning the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 00507, which carries Route 816 (Glen Road) over the Housatonic River in the towns of Newtown and Southbury.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Newtown Municipal Center, Council Chambers at 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT.
The proposed project consists of rehabilitating the existing bridge, which is a single span steel through-truss structure supported by concrete abutments at the river banks.  The overall length is 308 feet consisting of a concrete deck supported on steel floorbeams and stringers.  The bridge width is approximately 29 feet curb-to-curb and carries one lane of traffic in each direction.  The bridge is in need of rehabilitation due to the poor condition of the steel superstructure. Rehabilitation work will include steel repairs, painting, bearing replacement and concrete deck replacement. The construction will be performed in two stages and will utilize a detour for the first stage in which the deck and bearings are replaced.  In stage two, steel repairs and painting will be done utilizing either two-way traffic or alternating one-way traffic depending on the available roadway clearance. Under this scenario, the bridge would be fully closed to vehicular traffic and pedestrians for one construction season.

The current project schedule estimates that construction will start in the spring of 2013 and be completed in the fall of 2014, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $6 million and it is anticipated that Federal and State funds will be utilized.

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, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to review the plans may contact Mr. James Cavanaugh at (860) 594-3209 to make an appointment.