CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456
FOR RELEASE: August 13, 2012
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Public Information Meeting Regarding Proposed Design Plans for the Replacement of Bridge No. 02486 which carries Route 79 over Hammonasset Brook and Bridge No. 02498 which carries Route 81 over District Brook in Killingworth
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning the replacement of Bridge No. 02486, which carries Route 79 over Hammonasset Brook and Bridge No. 02498, which carries Route 81 over District Brook in the town of Killingworth.  The meeting will be on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Killingworth Elementary School, All Purpose Room, 340 Route 81, Killingworth.
Project No. 69-77,  Replacement of Bridge No. 02486 Route 79 over Hammonasset Brook:
The existing bridge carries traffic over Hammonasset Brook and is comprised of a simple span with a clear span of 14 ft. and overall length of 20.5 ft.  The curb-to-curb bridge width is approximately 29 ft.  It carries two 12 ft. travel lanes with 2 ft. shoulders for each direction.  The bridge is in need of rehabilitation due to the hydraulic inadequacy of the 14 ft. span and the poor condition of the concrete bridge deck and superstructure.  
The proposed project consists of the complete replacement of the structure.  The proposed structure will consist of a cast-in-place concrete slab superstructure.  The substructure will be cast-in-place reinforced concrete abutments and wingwalls on a driven pile foundation.   The guiderail will also be replaced on the approaches.  The replacement of the structure can be accomplished with two stage construction, maintaining single lane alternating traffic using temporary signals.
Work is anticipated to begin no sooner than the spring of 2015 and be completed in approximately one construction season.  The projects will not be in construction concurrently.  The rehabilitation of the bridge is anticipated to be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  The estimated construction cost for the project is approximately $1,000,000.  No rights-of-way involvement is anticipated for this project. 
Project No. 69-78, Replacement of Bridge No. 02498 Route 81 over District Brook:
The existing bridge, built in 1922, carries traffic over District Brook and is comprised of a simple span with a clear span of 8.5 ft.  The curb-to-curb bridge width is approximately 26 ft.  It carries two 12 ft. travel lanes with 1 ft. shoulders for each direction.  The bridge is in need of rehabilitation due to the hydraulic inadequacy of the 8.5 ft. span and the poor condition of the concrete bridge deck and superstructure.  
The proposed project consists of the complete replacement of the structure.  The proposed structure will consist of a precast reinforced concrete box culvert (13 ft. wide x 6 ft. high) on cast-in-place cutoff walls.  Cast-in-place reinforced concrete wingwalls will be constructed at the inlet and outlet.  The guiderail will also be replaced on the approaches.  The replacement of the structure can be accomplished with two stage construction, maintaining single lane alternating traffic using temporary signals.
Work is anticipated to begin no sooner than the spring of 2015 and be completed in approximately one construction season.  The projects will not be in construction concurrently.  The rehabilitation of the bridge is anticipated to be undertaken with Federal and State funds.  The estimated construction cost for the project is approximately $1,000,000.  Rights-of-way involvement is anticipated for this project. 
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.