CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: June 1, 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 06583, Route 17 (New Haven Road) over a Brook, in Durham
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct a Public Information Meeting for project 37-99 concerning the replacement of Bridge 06583, which carries Route 17 (New Haven Road) over a brook in Durham, on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the Durham Town Hall in the third floor Meeting Hall.  A formal design presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a question and answer session.
Bridge No. 06583, built in 1930, carries Route 17 over a Brook in the town of Durham. The bridge, which carries one lane of traffic in each direction, is situated between Coe Road and School House Lane.
The existing bridge is a hybrid structure comprised of two 24-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipes at the inlet half of the structure and a 6-foot long reinforced concrete arch at the outlet half. The existing structure has a curb-to-curb width of 32’, which is consistent with the approach roadways and an out-to-out width of 39’-6”.
Based upon field investigation and engineering analysis of the structure, the bridge is found to be structurally deficient. Its structural deficiencies are a result of the deteriorated condition of the concrete pipes, arch and headwall.
The proposed replacement is a 70-foot long, 4-foot diameter corrugated aluminum pipe with a smooth interior, with a concrete headwall at the inlet and outlet. This pipe will align with the existing channel.  The proposed 34-foot curb-to-curb width will accommodate a 12-foot travel lane and 5-foot shoulder in each direction. Approximately 60 feet of roadway reconstruction on each side of the culvert will be performed to provide for the necessary shoulder tapers, along with guide railing improvements.
The construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2013.  Construction will be performed utilizing a week long detour of traffic along town roads during the summer when school is not in session.
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 this 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.