CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: July 27, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation is planning a project to rehabilitate 13 bridges. This project is in the design phase and has been recommended for construction.

The following bridges are included in the project:

Bridge Number         Town(s)            Location

03341                     Essex            Route 9 over Route 153

03342                     Essex            Route 9 over Route 153 and 154

03343                     Essex            Route 9 over Route 154

03417                     Essex            Dennison Road over Route 9

03415 and 03416      Essex            Route 9 over Route 154, Ward Brook and Valley Railroad  

      
03445 and 03446      Deep River      Route 9 over Route 80

03439                     Chester         Wig Hill Road over Route 9

03284 and 03285      Haddam         Route 9 over Route 81 and Ponset Brook

03287 and 03288      Haddam         Route 9 over Candlewood Hill Road and Brook

It is the Department’s policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community share its concerns to assist in the project’s development.

The project involves replacing deficient steel bearings with maintenance free elastomeric bearings, repairing or replacing heavily corroded steel sections, and painting selected areas of the above bridges. The overall intent of the project is to extend the life of the bridges as long as possible by conducting needed repairs in a timely manner, rather than waiting until the deficiencies trigger more extensive work.

The present schedule indicates that the contract documents will be completed in September 2012 with construction anticipated to start in spring of 2013.

Based upon a preliminary estimate, the construction cost will be range from 3 to 5 million dollars. It is anticipated that the Federal Highway Administration will provide 80% of the construction cost and the State will provide the remaining 20%. 

Preliminary plans are available for public review and comment. Please contact Mr. Bryan Reed, at 860-594-3418, Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:00 p.m. or at bryan.reed@ct.gov.